The Machine loses its unbeaten streak in San Luis

Cruz Azul surrendered its unbeaten streak and put the leadership of the Liga MX at risk. With minimal concessions and a packed stadium, Atlético de San Luis fiercely condemned the errors committed by La Máquina in the second double date of the Liga MX. It was the effort of the team from Potosi, plus the few distractions in a match of maximum attention, which stopped the overwhelming advance of its rival with a score (3-1) that was not expected.

If their visit to Alfonso Lastras meant walking on a tightrope, with eyes wide open, the defeat left more than one lesson for La Máquina. No match is won with the shirt alone. Atleti, who were wandering around the reclassification positions, focused on such a solid strategy that they magnified their few resources with a formidable attack. The Ivorian Franck Boli (35) and Javier Guemez (45+4) turned the score around in less than 10 minutes to 1-0, which Ignacio Rivero, with an elbow included from Julio César Domínguez in a cross into the area, scored in favor of the sky blues (32).

The difference could have been even greater in the second half, but then the ability of goalkeeper Kevin Mier, a Colombian national team player, saved Cruz Azul more than once in dangerous counterattacks from Potosi. Neither line worked well for Argentine coach Martín Anselmi. Because, despite the fact that his team did not stop fighting, the superiority of the locals made them see their fate. Defender Gonzalo Piovi received the red card for a kick without the ball in front of referee Óscar Mejía, who later disallowed a goal by Atleti in an offside position.

In injury time, La Máquina’s debacle was consummated with an own goal by Erik Lira, the last link in a series of touches that left the defense in a bad position (90+7). After seven consecutive victories, the unbeaten run of the Celestes ended in San Luis in a surprising way.