Preview: Cruz Azul vs Monterrey Prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Concacaf Champions Cup 2026 Round of 16 seond leg

La Máquina are on a three-match winning streak against Rayados.

Cruz Azul are now going to take on Monterrey for their second leg round of 16 fixture of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup. This is going to be an intense clash, taking place at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc.

La Máquina are on a good run of form at the moment. Being at home for their next continental competition game will only add to their advantage.

The first leg was a close one, but they maintained their calm and composure to secure a win. Cruz Azul are confident about their upcoming one and will come up with a strong performance.

Rayados are going to be under pressure for their upcoming game. They have not been able to perform up to mark in their last three matches and might even struggle in their next one.

Monterrey will be away from home, making things tougher for them. They are just down by one goal. With a top performance, it will not be difficult for them to make a comeback here.

Kick-off:

• Location: Puebla, Mexico
• Stadium: Estadio Cuauhtémoc
• Date: Wednesday, March 18
• Kick-off Time: 08:30 AM IST/ 03:00 AM GMT (Tuesday, March 17; 10:00 PM ET/ 07:00 PM PT)
• Referee: TBA
• VAR: In use

Form:

Cruz Azul: W-W-W-W-D

Monterrey: L-W-L-L-D

Players to Watch

Nicolás Ibáñez (Cruz Azul)

Nicolás Ibáñez has now scored in back-to-back fixtures for Cruz Azul and will be eager to continue his goal-scoring run. He is going to lead his side in the attacking front once again and will be causing issues to the opponent’s defence. Ibáñez has scored two goals in two Champions Cup games this season.

Roberto de la Rosa (Monterrey)

Roberto de la Rosa netted in a sensational brace during the first leg and will be ready to help his side in the final third yet again. He is going to be an important aspect of the squad for Monterrey. The 26-year-old will be keen to put in a top performance so that he can get Rayados back to winning ways.

Match Facts

• Cruz Azul are undefeated in their last 13 games.
• Monterrey have failed to secure a win in their last three matches.
• Rayados are winless in their last five meetings against La Máquina.

Cruz Azul vs Monterrey: Betting Tips and Odds

• Cruz Azul to win
• Nicolás Ibáñez to score
• Goals over 3.5

Injury and Team News

Jesus Orozco is not going to be in action for Cruz Azul. He is injured.

Monterrey will be without the services of Erick Aguirre and Sergio Canales. They are injured. Anthony Martial and Fidel Ambriz might also sit out due to their fitness issues.

Head-to-Head

Total matches: 78

Cruz Azul won: 36

Monterrey won: 21

Draws: 21

Predicted Lineups

Cruz Azul predicted lineup (3-4-2-1)

Gudiño (GK); Lira, Garcia, Piovi; Campos, Palavecino, Márquez, Rotondi; Paradela, Rodríguez; Ibáñez

Monterrey predicted lineup (4-2-3-1)

Mele (GK); Chavez, Medina, Aceves, Reyes; Rodríguez, Salcedo; Reyes, Corona, Ocampos; De la Rosa

Match Prediction

The hosts will be coming in with confidence here, while things could be tough for Rayados. Cruz Azul are likely to come out on top and outplay Monterrey in their upcoming Concacaf Champions Cup clash.

Prediction: Cruz Azul 3-1 Monterrey

Telecast Details

India: FanCode

USA: TUDN USA

Mexico: Fox One

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