Analysis The numbers behind the result
Cruz Azul defy xG with clinical finishing
Cruz Azul's 2-1 victory over Puebla was undeserved on the balance of play, with the visitors posting a superior xG (0.67 vs 0.13) despite only 28% possession. Puebla created higher-quality chances, landing 3 shots on target to Cruz Azul's 1, but were punished for inefficiency — Federico Monarrez's 28th-minute opener their only reward from five total shots.
The hosts' 72% dominance in possession translated poorly into clear chances, managing just two shots inside the box. Yet they were ruthlessly clinical, converting their sole shot on target into a goal. Puebla's defensive organisation (2 blocked shots, 73% pass accuracy) couldn't compensate for their lack of cutting edge in the final third. The decisive stat was Cruz Azul's 91% pass accuracy — sustaining pressure despite minimal threat — against Puebla's 0.67 xG underperformance.