Atlas Emerges as Cruz Azul’s Biggest Obstacle in Liga MX: Longest Winless Streak Continues
Cruz Azul will face a familiar challenge this Saturday as they go up against Atlas, a side that has become a persistent thorn in their side. Known as La Máquina, Cruz Azul is currently on a five-game winless streak against the red-and-blacks, marking their longest ongoing drought against any Liga MX opponent.
This unfavorable streak stretches back over two years, with Cruz Azul’s last victory over Atlas occurring on February 22, 2023, under interim coach Joaquín Moreno. In that game, the Celestes edged out a narrow 1-0 win thanks to a goal from Augusto Lotti at the Estadio Azteca.
Since then, several coaches have failed to break the curse:
-
Ricardo Ferretti: Faced Atlas twice during his tenure, losing both matches — once in the Clausura 2023 playoffs (0-1) and again in the Apertura 2023 opener (0-2).
-
Martín Anselmi: Couldn’t defeat Atlas in three consecutive matches — drawing 2-2 and 1-1 across the 2024 and 2025 tournaments. Remarkably, Atlas was the only Liga MX side he never beat.
-
Vicente Sánchez: Took over in the 2025 Apertura but never had the opportunity to face Atlas during his short tenure.
With Nicolás Larcamón now at the helm, he becomes the third coach tasked with ending this drought, as Cruz Azul looks to reclaim dominance over their Guadalajara rivals.
How Does Cruz Azul Perform Against Other Liga MX Clubs?
While Atlas has been a major stumbling block, Cruz Azul has fared better against most other Liga MX teams:
-
Toluca & Mazatlán: Two games without a win.
-
América, Monterrey, Juárez & Puebla: One game winless streak each.
-
Pachuca, Tigres, Santos, San Luis, Chivas, León, Necaxa, Querétaro, Tijuana & Pumas: All were defeated by Cruz Azul in their most recent meetings.
Despite recent struggles, La Máquina has shown resilience in other matchups. But the upcoming clash with Atlas presents more than just another fixture—it’s a test of resolve, coaching strategy, and breaking a historic hoodoo.