Tension began to rise in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final even after the final whistle, as after the 0-0 draw between Cruz Azul and Pumas in the first leg, the interim cementero coach, Joel Huiqui, responded forcefully to Efraín Juárez’s statements regarding the refereeing in the playoffs. At a press conference, the university coach stated that Cruz Azul had been one of the teams most favored by refereeing decisions during the final phase of the tournament. Juárez recalled some controversial plays in the series against Atlas and Chivas, comments that quickly generated annoyance within the Celestial environment.
Joel Huiqui did not avoid the subject and made his position clear to the media regarding what Efraín Juárez said. The Cruz Azul coach considered that talking about the refereeing in the middle of the championship dispute does not help Mexican soccer and even asked for an economic sanction for the auriazul coach. “That’s what he said, they would have to fine him, wouldn’t they, you can’t talk about the refereeing, I think. You can’t talk about the refereeing, I think. It was a wonderful final,” said Huiqui after the match.
Cruz Azul confident of winning the title at CU
Despite failing to win at home, the Cementero coach assured that the team maintains full confidence to win the second leg of the final at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Joel Huiqui emphasized that Cruz Azul has shown consistency throughout the championship.
He considers that the draw was fair for what was shown on the field.
He also insisted that La Máquina has sufficient arguments to seek the coveted tenth star.
“We have the quality to win the match. The final is cooking and next Sunday we are going to win,” said the strategist.
The former defender also highlighted the atmosphere that will be experienced at Ciudad Universitaria, one of the most emblematic stadiums in Mexican soccer.
You can´t talk about the refereeing, I think
Joel Huiqui
Keylor Navas was the star of the match
Although Cruz Azul dominated most of the match, the great performance of Costa Rican Keylor Navas prevented Pumas from going down.
The experienced goalkeeper made several decisive interventions that thwarted the Celeste attackers and kept the tie alive.
Joel Huiqui publicly acknowledged the level shown by the former Real Madrid goalkeeper.
At 39 years of age, he once again demonstrated why he continues to be one of the most respected goalkeepers on the continent.
“They have a great goalkeeper and he took out all the goals,” the coach said.
The final of the Clausura 2026 will be decided next Sunday at Ciudad Universitaria, in a duel that promises maximum tension, controversy and enormous expectation.
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