Orlando City vs. Necaxa: Preview, Predictions & Key Moments
Necaxa: Rising Stars in Leagues Cup with a Rich History
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Necaxa, affectionately known as Los Rayos (Teh Lightning Bolts), are making waves in the 2024 Leagues Cup, showcasing a blend of tactical prowess and emerging talent. But their current form is built on a foundation of history and a recent resurgence in Liga MX. This article dives into the club’s past successes, present ambitions, and the key players driving their exciting journey.
A Legacy of Championships and Continental Success
While perhaps not a household name for many international soccer fans, necaxa boasts a surprisingly rich history.Founded in 1924, the club has secured three Liga MX titles – in 1998, 2003, and most recently, the 2018 Clausura. That 2018 triumph marked their fourth victory in the now-disbanded Copa MX, a testament to their consistent cup form.
Beyond domestic success, Necaxa also holds a prestigious CONCACAF Champions Cup title, earned in 1999. This victory cemented their place as a force to be reckoned with in North American soccer, a reputation they’re actively rebuilding.
Leagues Cup 2024: A Promising start
Necaxa entered the 2024 Leagues Cup with momentum, carrying over a strong finish to the 2025 Clausura season where they finished fifth in the Liga MX table. they won 10 of their 17 regular season matches, only to be eliminated in the liguilla quarterfinals by Tigres UANL on away goals – a frustrating outcome despite remaining undefeated in the tie.
Their Leagues Cup campaign began with a solid showing, earning four points thru two games, placing them among only six Liga MX clubs with that level of success at this stage. A draw against inter Miami, followed by a narrow penalty shootout loss after a late equalizer from Jordi Alba, demonstrated their competitive spirit and ability to challenge top teams. You can see they aren’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with the best.
The Fernando Gago Effect
Much of Necaxa’s recent success can be attributed to the astute leadership of manager Fernando Gago. A rising star in the coaching world, Gago has quickly gained recognition for his tactical flexibility and ability to develop young talent. His managerial resume already includes stints with Argentine powerhouses Racing Club and Boca Juniors, as well as Mexican giants Chivas Guadalajara – all before turning 40!
Gago’s playing career was equally impressive. He was a commanding defensive midfielder for real Madrid in the late 2000s and early 2010s, before returning to Argentina to finish his career.This experience provides him with a unique perspective and understanding of the game, which he effectively translates to his players.
Key Players to Watch
Necaxa’s squad is a blend of experienced veterans and exciting young prospects. Leading the charge is Colombian international striker Díber Cambindo, who enjoyed a prolific 2024/25 season, netting 16 goals in 30 league games. cambindo’s success builds on a strong loan spell with Independiente Medellín earlier in his career.
However,Necaxa isn’t solely reliant on Cambindo. The team recently sold Argentine playmaker José Paradela to Cruz Azul for a reported fee exceeding $10 million, a testament to his impact (11 goals and 12 assists in Liga MX last season while starting every game). the club has reinvested wisely, bringing in central midfielder Tomás Jacob and playmaker Johan Rojas to bolster the squad.A surprising breakout star in the Leagues Cup has been Argentine striker Tomás Badaloni. A former teammate of Martín Ojeda at Godoy Cruz, Badaloni has scored three goals in Necaxa’s two Leagues Cup matches, despite primarily being a substitute since joining the club last summer. His recent form earned him a starting spot against Inter Miami, and he’s proving to be a valuable asset.
Necaxa’s journey in the Leagues Cup is one to watch. With a rich history,a talented squad,and a promising manager,Los Rayos are poised to continue their ascent in North American soccer. They’re a team that embodies ambition, resilience, and a commitment to exciting, attacking football.