Attacking midfielder Rogelio González made his first start for Cruz Azul in their 3-1 win over Club Necaxa on August 29. The 21-year-old academy product was given the opportunity by manager Joel Huiqui in a match where the team needed to stop a poor run of four losses in their last five games, as reported by Record MX.
González's inclusion was a bet on youth at a difficult time. Cruz Azul entered the match in 11th place in Liga MX, with 7 points from 5 games. The victory against Necaxa allowed them to collect three valuable points and move slightly away from the lower part of the standings. The team has now scored 7 goals and conceded 8, for a -1 goal difference.
Who is Rogelio González?
Rogelio González is a 21-year-old footballer from Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz. He joined Cruz Azul's youth academy at age 15, specifically the U16 category. His progression within the institution was steady, moving through various youth levels until reaching the U21 team. In that category, he coincided with Joel Huiqui, who is now his first-team manager.
He is officially registered as an attacking midfielder, with the ability to play both centrally and on either wing. On his debut against Necaxa, Huiqui deployed him specifically on the right flank. His path was not without obstacles, as during his developmental stage he suffered a ligament rupture that kept him off the pitch. He overcame that injury and continued his development at the club.
How did he get his first-team opportunity?
The door to the first team began to open for González in September 2024, when then-manager Martín Anselmi considered him for a friendly match against Alebrijes de Oaxaca. That was one of his first approaches to the professional squad. However, Joel Huiqui's direct knowledge of him from the U21 stage was decisive in him earning trust for an official Liga MX match.
Huiqui, knowing his characteristics and work ethic, decided to start him in a high-pressure fixture. Cruz Azul was desperately seeking to end a poor run of results that had plunged them into a confidence crisis. The match against Necaxa presented an ideal opportunity, facing a rival also going through a tough spell, with a recent form of 0 wins, 1 draw, and 4 losses.
What does this debut mean in the current context?
González's debut comes in a season where Cruz Azul is trying to get back on track. The win over Necaxa leaves them 6 points behind the leaders, Club America, but the most important thing is the morale boost. Integrating an academy player at a key moment sends a message of confidence in the youth system and can inject new energy into the dressing room.
For the player himself, this is just the first step. Proving he can contribute to the team at the top level will be his next challenge. His versatility to play in different attacking midfield positions is an advantage that could earn him more minutes as the season progresses. Fans can follow the squad's evolution, including young talents, on our first-team page.
What is next for Cruz Azul?
After the victory over Necaxa, Joel Huiqui's team must maintain focus. The next challenge is a difficult visit to Tigres UANL, scheduled for September 6. The Tigers currently sit in 15th place, so it will be another direct duel against a rival looking to climb the table. Cruz Azul will need to consolidate their defensive improvement, having conceded 8 goals in 5 matches, and be more effective in attack to accumulate points for the final stretch of the tournament.
The schedule is demanding and every point counts. Supporters can check all the details of the next matchday and the rest of the championship in our fixtures section. The bet on youth, symbolized by Rogelio González's debut, could be a differentiating factor in this stage of Liga MX.
