Andrés Montaño emerges as a key impact player for Cruz Azul

Andrés Montaño has become a reliable alternative for manager Joel Huiqui, consistently delivering whenever he receives minutes for Cruz Azul. Although his playing time in the Apertura 2026 has been limited, he has seized his opportunities, contributing directly to the scoreline in each of his last three appearances.

The player does not need to start to make an impact. His appearances from the bench have yielded positive results, as he has participated in at least one goal in each of his last three matches, either with an assist or a goal.

Against Santos Laguna, Montaño came on as a substitute and provided an assist in a 1-0 victory. His intervention was decisive in securing the three points. Later, facing Toluca, he returned as a substitute to register another assist in a 3-3 draw. The trend continued against Pumas, where Montaño came off the bench to score in another 3-3 stalemate for Huiqui's side.

Montaño's statistics in the Apertura 2026 remain modest, with 7 matches played—two as a starter—and 201 minutes on the pitch. However, his recent performances provide Joel Huiqui with strong arguments to consider him a vital option for offensive solutions. As Cruz Azul seeks greater consistency, Montaño has emerged as a player who can be used effectively from the bench or even considered for the starting eleven.