Marquez Stuns San Luis with Late Brace as Cruz Azul Win 3-2

Jeremy Marquez wrote himself into Cruz Azul folklore with two late goals to snatch a 3-2 victory from the jaws of defeat against Atletico San Luis in a pulsating Liga MX Apertura opener at Estadio Alfonso Lastras.

San Luis Lightning Start

The hosts exploded from the blocks, their high press forcing Cruz Azul into uncharacteristic errors. The warning signs came early when Román Llorente saw yellow for a cynical foul in the 14th minute, but San Luis’ intensity soon bore fruit. Sébastien Salles-Lamonge sent the home crowd into raptures on 46 minutes, smashing home from close range after a defensive mix-up.

The second half began in similar fashion – Llorente atoning for his earlier booking by slotting home Leonardo Flores’ cutback just five minutes after the restart. At 2-0 up with 55% possession and eight shots inside the box, San Luis looked destined for three points.

Cruz Azul’s Triple Substitution Gamble

Cruz Azul manager Joel Huiqui rolled the dice with a triple change on 56 minutes – and within seven minutes, the momentum shifted violently. Gonzalo Fernández halved the deficit from the spot after a handball decision, before Marquez announced himself with a thunderous volley from Lorenzo Romero’s cross on 81 minutes.

The Estadio Alfonso Lastras fell silent as Marquez completed his brace in the 93rd minute, coolly finishing Carlos Rodriguez’s through ball to cap a comeback that defied San Luis’ 83% pass accuracy and 12 total shots.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Cruz Azul, this smash-and-grab victory – achieved despite trailing on xG (1.28 vs 3.07) – sets the tone for their title charge. Marquez’s heroics paper over cracks in a defense that conceded eight shots inside their box.

San Luis will rue missed opportunities after dominating large periods, their 45% possession yielding little in the final 20 minutes. Raúl Chabrand’s men showed promise but must learn to kill games – a harsh lesson in their Apertura opener.

Both sides now look to Matchday 2, where Cruz Azul host Pachuca riding this emotional high, while San Luis travel to Querétaro needing to bounce back quickly.