The match between Toluca and Cruz Azul on the fourth day of the Celestial Cup 2022 ends with a 1-1 draw, keeping both teams in contention but still pursuing a decisive result to shape Group B standings.
On Thursday, December 22, the Nemesio Díez stadium hosts a pivotal clash as Toluca welcomes Cruz Azul. The Red Devils entered the game eager to regain momentum in the tournament after a stretch that included a draw and a loss, while La Máquina sought a crucial win to move ahead in the group and claim leadership, notching seven points if successful.
The narrative from GOAL highlights and tracks the key moments of the encounter, outlining a contest filled with chances, near misses, and a late equalizer that kept the excitement high until the final whistle.
In this live recap, the action is presented as a minute-by-minute account, capturing the rhythm of a match that swung between tight defense, quick counters, and moments of individual brilliance from both sides.
TOLUCA VS CRUZ AZUL: MINUTE BY MINUTE
- 90+4′ – The whistle signals the end of a tightly fought game at Nemesio Díez.
- 90+2′ – Toluca levels the score with a strike from Juan Gamba, drawing even as time dwindles.
- 90′ – Four minutes of added time are announced as the clock winds down.
- 74′ – Cruz Azul presses for a second goal; Rodrigo Huescas hits the post after a sharp run into the box.
- 63′ – Toluca creates danger again as Camilo Sanvezzo’s shot from the right side narrowly misses the target.
- 51′ – Toluca almost takes the lead when Sanvezzo threads through defenders, but Jesús Corona keeps the ball alive in the final moment of the sequence.
- 48′ – Cruz Azul breaks the deadlock! Emmanuel Gutierrez finishes a well-constructed attack to put the visitors ahead.
- 20:12 – The teams return to the pitch for the second half following the interval.
- 45+1′ – A stoppage in play ends the first half with a hint of intensity lingering in the air.
- 45′ – The referee adds a minute of stoppage time before the break.
- 41′ – Cruz Azul presses again as Uriel Antuna shoots and forces a save; the goalkeeper can only steer the ball to a corner.
- 40′ – Toluca responds with a dangerous cross from Jean Meneses toward the box, but the attempt is cleared by the defense.
- 29′ – Cruz Azul answers with a left-footed shot from Carlos Rotondi that Tiago Volpi parries safely.
- 26′ – Toluca’s early pressure hits the framework as Maxi Araujo strikes the post with a powerful effort.
- 25′ – Leo Fernández tests the Cruz Azul defense with a left-footed attempt that misses just wide of the post.
- 13′ – Ignacio Rivero forces a save from Volpi as the ball rebounds away from danger in a sharp moment for Toluca.
- 2′ – A long-range effort from Emmanuel Gutierrez ends up in Volpi’s hands, signaling a cautious start from both teams.
- 19:07 – The opening whistle announces the start of the match at Nemesio Díez, as the atmosphere heats up with anticipation.
- 18:00 – The live narration begins with GOAL.com presenting the early highlights and setup for the Sky Cup clash.
THE PREVIOUS
Both sides came into this game with clear intentions: Toluca sought to capitalize on home advantage and push into a more secure position within Group B, while Cruz Azul aimed to solidify their path toward qualification with a win that would provide some breathing room in the standings.
WHERE TO SEE ON TV AND ONLINE
The game was broadcast on Channel 5 and TUDN, with streaming available on the Vix Plus app. Viewers could access the platform on devices running iOS and Android, ensuring fans could follow the action across multiple formats.