Cruz Azul midfielder José Paradela was substituted early in the second leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final against Pumas on May 24, 2026, following a severe collision.
The Argentine sustained a heavy blow to his left hip and thigh during a challenge with Pumas midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla in the 18th minute at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Paradela initially tried to continue but his mobility and passing precision quickly deteriorated. He left the field in tears during the 35th minute.
Cruz Azul manager Joel Huiqui replaced him with Gabriel "Toro" Fernández just five minutes after Pumas forward Robert Morales opened the scoring.
According to reports from Excelsior, Paradela had also experienced physical discomfort in his right leg during the first leg of the final, which limited his playing time.
The incident sparked controversy on social media, with outlets like TUDN noting Carrasquilla's history of aggressive challenges against Cruz Azul players.
Carrasquilla, a tactical surprise in Pumas' starting lineup chosen by manager Efraín Juárez, received a yellow card from referee Daniel Quintero Huitrón but avoided a red card.
