cruz azul - tigres: Ibáñez and Aguirre could make their Liga MX debuts in Puebla
Sunday’s clash between Cruz Azul and Tigres at Estadio Cuauhtémoc brings high stakes and fresh faces. Kickoff is scheduled for 5: 30 pm ET on February 15, 2026, and the meeting could mark the Liga MX debuts — and first league goals — for Nicolás Ibáñez and Rodrigo Aguirre, two forwards who arrived at their new clubs in the last transfer window.
Match context and what’s on the line
Both clubs arrive in strong form and sit level early in the Clausura table with 10 points apiece, making this a direct test for teams that have title ambitions. The cementeros travel to Puebla buoyed by a convincing international performance, where their new Argentine forward opened his account in a 5-0 Concacaf victory. Tigres, meanwhile, arrive confident after an emphatic domestic win and progress in continental play, with their Uruguayan reinforcement already finding the net twice in regional competition.
The fixture promises to be a tactical chess match: Cruz Azul have shown a blend of defensive solidity and attacking efficiency that has kept them competitive, while Tigres continue to demonstrate the kind of firepower and experience expected from a championship contender. The result could shape the early pecking order and influence both teams’ momentum heading into the midseason stretch.
New signings in focus: Ibáñez and Aguirre
Nicolás Ibáñez arrives in the capital determined to rediscover the scoring touch that once made him one of the league’s most feared finishers. His move came days after his club debut in continental play, where he netted in a rout of a Canadian opponent. Ibáñez’s background includes a prolific spell at Atlético San Luis and a championship-winning period with Pachuca, where he also finished as the league’s top scorer in one campaign. His stint at Tigres had mixed results: he earned a league title with the side but fell short of becoming the undisputed focal point up front. The transfer offers him a chance at sporting redemption and a fresh start in familiar surroundings.
Rodrigo Aguirre’s arrival at Tigres has also injected another attacking option into a team already performing well. The Uruguayan has shown early promise by scoring twice in continental competition; now the question is whether the coach will hand him his first Liga MX minutes against his former club. Aguirre’s Mexican journey began with Necaxa, included a spell with Monterrey, and later a title-winning stint at América, though injuries have interrupted his continuity. If selected, he could provide Tigres with a physical presence and goal threat that complements their current offensive balance.
Possible XIs and tactical battle
Projected lineups hint at a competitive midfield and a defensive duel that could determine the outcome. Cruz Azul’s likely starters include an experienced goalkeeper between the posts and a backline built for aerial battles and quick transitions. Their midfield runner will be crucial to balance defensive cover with the capacity to feed attacks down the wings. Tigres will counter with a fluid front line that mixes aerial power and movement, seeking to exploit any space behind Cruz Azul’s fullbacks.
Key matchups to watch: the center-back duels in the penalty area will be decisive on set pieces and crosses; the midfield battle will determine which side controls tempo and supply to the forwards; and the performance of the two new strikers could swing confidence either way. Coaches on both sides must weigh squad fitness and tactical tweaks, especially when integrating recent signings who have already tasted competitive action in international fixtures.
Sunday’s encounter in Puebla promises intensity, narrative and immediate consequences for the Clausura 2026 standings. Beyond points, both Ibáñez and Aguirre will be eager to convert early opportunities into momentum for their new clubs — and possibly into the defining moments of this early-season showdown.
