FC Juarez delivered a strong home performance to defeat Queretaro FC 3-1 in their Liga MX Apertura 2026 meeting at the Estadio Benito Juarez on Saturday. The victory gives Juarez a valuable three points in the race for the playoffs, while Queretaro remain in the lower half of the table after a second-half collapse on the road.

Match overview

Juarez started with intent and controlled the early tempo, pressing Queretaro high and forcing the visitors into several rushed clearances. The home side’s dominance paid off in the 14th minute when a quick combination on the right flank opened space for Diego Valoyes, who cut inside and finished low into the far corner.

Queretaro responded well after conceding, tightening their midfield and creating a few half-chances on the counter. However, they struggled to test the Juarez goalkeeper consistently, and the home side doubled their advantage early in the second half. A flowing move through the middle ended with Aitor Garcia striking from the edge of the box, giving the Queretaro keeper no chance.

The visitors pulled one back in the 71st minute through an Angel Sepulveda penalty after a handball inside the area, briefly raising hopes of a comeback. But Juarez managed the closing stages calmly and sealed the win in the 88th minute when substitute Oscar Estupinan finished a rebound from close range after a save.

Key moments

• 14’ – FC Juarez 1-0: Diego Valoyes finishes a fast break with a low shot into the bottom corner.
• 52’ – FC Juarez 2-0: Aitor Garcia doubles the lead with a precise strike from the edge of the penalty area.
• 71’ – FC Juarez 2-1: Angel Sepulveda converts a penalty for Queretaro after a handball decision.
• 88’ – FC Juarez 3-1: Oscar Estupinan reacts quickest to a saved shot and taps in the decisive third goal.

Tactical story

Juarez set up with an aggressive 4-2-3-1 shape, using their wide players to stretch Queretaro’s back line and create overloads in the final third. The home side finished with 58% possession and 16 shots to Queretaro’s 9, reflecting their control of the contest. Queretaro’s midfield struggled to close the space between the lines, and their attempts to press high left gaps that Juarez exploited repeatedly after the break.

The visitors improved after switching to a more compact block in the second half, but the penalty gave them only brief momentum. Juarez’s substitutions added fresh energy in the final 20 minutes, and the third goal was a fair reflection of their superior chance creation.

Standout players

Diego Valoyes was a constant threat on the right, contributing a goal and an assist, while Aitor Garcia dictated the tempo in midfield and scored the crucial second goal. For Queretaro, Angel Sepulveda was the bright spot, holding the ball up well and converting from the spot, but he received limited service in the second half.

Liga MX table impact

The win strengthens FC Juarez’s position in the Liga MX standings and keeps them in the hunt for a playoff spot. Queretaro, meanwhile, remain in need of consistency and will look to regroup ahead of their next fixture. The three points also improve Juarez’s head-to-head record against a direct rival in the race for the final playoff places.

For Queretaro, the defeat highlights familiar issues: defensive lapses in transition and an inability to sustain pressure for long spells. Juarez, by contrast, showed the kind of clinical edge that could prove decisive as the Apertura 2026 season moves toward its final stretch.