Super-Sub Christian Ebere Strikes Late as Cruz Azul Pull Off Dramatic Comeback to Stay Perfect

Nigerian forward Christian Ebere played the ultimate hero for Cruz Azul, coming off the bench to smash home an 82nd-minute winner and secure a thrilling 2–1 victory over Club Puebla at the Estadio Banorte.

The late dramatic strike ensured La Máquina maintained their flawless start to the 2026/27 Liga MX Apertura campaign.

Despite Cruz Azul controlling the early tempo, Puebla struck first against the run of play.

In the 28th minute, defender Fernando Monárrez pounced on a defensive lapse by the hosts, finishing calmly to silence the home fans and hand La Franja a surprise 1–0 lead.

Refusing to back down, Cruz Azul poured forward in search of a quick response, with wingers Luka Romero and Carlos Rotondi relentlessly probing Puebla’s defense.

The pressure paid off right before halftime when Romero met a pinpoint cross with a towering header, sending the teams into the break tied at 1–1.

The home side completely ran the show in the second half, pinning Puebla deep in their own territory with a commanding 70% of possession.

Cruz Azul nearly broke the deadlock in the 79th minute when Agustín Palavecino unleashed a stunning 35-yard rocket that smashed against the crossbar.

Seeking a breakthrough, manager Joel Huiqui made a decisive tactical move in the 68th minute, introducing Ebere in place of Rotondi.

The Nigerian needed just 14 minutes to make his mark. In the 82nd minute, Ebere pounced on a loose ball inside the penalty area, calmly slotting a low, right-footed strike past Puebla goalkeeper Ricardo Gutiérrez to complete the comeback.

The 2–1 win marks Cruz Azul’s second straight comeback victory of the season. With two wins from two matches, La Máquina sit proudly at the top of the Liga MX standings with six points.