Sunday’s match between Cruz Azul and Santos Laguna will have an added storyline, as Erik Lira could make his return to the pitch for La Máquina.
Erik Lira’s Transfer Nightmare
His move to AS Monaco fell through because the Ligue 1 side was unable to free up a foreign-player slot in its squad. It was the result of a domino effect. Lira had already passed his medical examinations and had everything in place to become a Monaco player, but the deal ultimately collapsed after the French club was unable to complete Folarin Balogun’s transfer to Everton.
Lira returned to training with Cruz Azul on Friday after the club’s front office decided to give him several days to spend time with his family and recover from the mental toll of the negotiations with the French side. Monaco ultimately could not complete his signing before the transfer window closed.
The Mexico international remains under contract with Cruz Azul until 2029, meaning his immediate future remains tied to La Máquina.
However, as he left the La Noria training complex on Friday, Lira declined to speak with the media or the fans waiting outside. The 26-year-old’s decision was another indication that he is not yet ready to speak publicly following the disappointment of his failed move to Europe.
Cruz Azul’s coaching staff, led by Joel Huiqui, will decide on Saturday whether Lira will be included in the squad for Sunday’s match against Santos Laguna or whether he will be given a couple of extra days to recover from the mental and emotional toll of the situation.
Lira had everything prepared to fulfill his dream of playing in Europe. Cruz Azul and Monaco had agreed on a transfer worth $8 million, plus another $2 million in add-ons, for one of the best Mexican players in Liga MX.
Now, following his return to Cruz Azul, Lira will have to remain with the club for at least one more tournament. Friday marked his first training session with La Máquina since the failed transfer.
A few weeks ago, Lira turned down a €12 million offer from Al Jazira of the United Arab Emirates because his main objective was to continue his career in Europe. However, after his move to Monaco fell through, he appears set to remain in Liga MX.
Cruz Azul will host Santos Laguna on Sunday looking for a victory that would move them closer to the top of the Apertura 2026 standings. Following their 3-1 win over Necaxa last weekend, La Máquina climbed to 10th place with nine points.
Santos Laguna, meanwhile, remains one of the weakest teams in Liga MX. Los Laguneros sit 17th in the standings with just one point from a possible 18.
Possible lineups
Cruz Azul could start with Kevin Mier in goal; Omar Campos, Chiquete Orozco, Amaury García, Willer Ditta and Jeremy Márquez in defense; Charly Rodríguez, Erik Lira, Agustín Palavecino and José Paradela in midfield; and Nico Ibáñez as the lone striker in a 5-4-1 formation.
Santos Laguna could line up with Carlos Acevedo; Franco Pardo, Felipe Sánchez and Efraín Orona; Mauricio Cuevas, Aldo López, Fran Villalba and Diego González; Kevin Palacios, Ezequiel Bullaude and Ramiro Sordo in a 3-4-3 formation.
Match Details
The match will be played on Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Mexico City time, 3:00 p.m. PT and 6:00 p.m. ET.
In the United States, the game will be available on TUDN USA, TUDN.com, the TUDN App, ViX, Univision, Univision NOW, CBS Sports Network and fuboTV.
Hooligan’s prediction: Cruz Azul 2-0 Santos Laguna.
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Alejandro Orellana is an accomplished sports journalist based in Mexico City, known for his incisive coverage of Club América and the Mexican National Team. A graduate of Journalism from Escuela de Periodismo Carlos Septien García, Alejandro brings a deep understanding of sports media to his work. His expertise extends to SEO and content creation, allowing him to produce engaging and discoverable sports narratives. He has contributed as a freelance writer for Goal.com, where he notably conducted interviews with MLS players, further showcasing his comprehensive interviewing skills. Prior to this, Alejandro dedicated five years to ESPN’s production department, contributing to renowned shows including SportsCenter, Futbol Picante, and NFL Live. His insightful articles can be found on platforms such as Deportrece and Hooligan Soccer. Connect with Alejandro on @soyalexorellana and Tik Tok to stay updated with his latest work. His commitment to journalistic integrity ensures every piece offers valuable and trustworthy insights for sports enthusiasts.
