On April 1, 2025, the highly anticipated first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals kicked off at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, featuring fierce rivals Club América and Cruz Azul. Known as the Clásico Joven, this matchup has become one of the most significant rivalries in Mexican football, and both teams entered the match with a wealth of momentum and high hopes.
América, led by coach André Jardine, came into the game as the current leader of Liga MX's Clausura 2025, boasting an impressive record of nine wins, three draws, and just one loss in thirteen matches. Their latest victory was a commanding 3-0 win over Tigres, which solidified their position at the top of the league table. In the previous round of the Concachampions, they eliminated Chivas with a resounding 4-1 aggregate score, showcasing their offensive prowess.
On the other hand, Cruz Azul, managed by Vicente Sánchez, was also in fine form, sitting fifth in the general standings after a 3-0 win against Atlético de San Luis. They advanced to the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup by defeating Seattle Sounders 4-1 on aggregate in the previous round. This matchup was not only crucial for their aspirations in the tournament but also a chance to assert dominance over their storied rivals.
The match commenced at 19:15 local time, with fans filling the stadium to witness what promised to be an exhilarating encounter. The broadcast was available on Azteca 7 and Tubi, allowing supporters to follow the action live.
As the first half unfolded, América took control early on, demonstrating their attacking intent. They created several chances, including a notable effort from Diego Valdés, whose header narrowly missed the target in the 31st minute. However, Cruz Azul gradually found their footing, with Ignacio Rivero being particularly active, contributing significantly to his team's play.
Despite América's early dominance, Cruz Azul responded well, and by the 37th minute, they began to assert themselves more confidently on the pitch. They had a goal disallowed in the 22nd minute when Rivero's well-timed finish was ruled offside, a decision that ignited discussions among fans and players alike.
The first half concluded with the score still level at 0-0, but not without drama. Just before the halftime whistle, América struck the crossbar, with Alejandro Zendejas' shot hitting the woodwork after a well-constructed play. The match was poised perfectly for an exciting second half.
As the teams returned for the second half, the intensity on the field ramped up. América came out with renewed vigor, creating immediate threats to Cruz Azul's defense. Just minutes into the half, they had two clear chances, but goalkeeper Kevin Mier was equal to the task, denying them both.
At the 47th minute, Zendejas missed a golden opportunity, failing to convert a pass from Valdés. This moment exemplified the high stakes and pressure both teams faced in this knockout stage. The match continued to ebb and flow, with both teams creating chances but unable to break the deadlock.
Throughout the match, Cruz Azul's possession improved, with statistics showing they held 57% of the ball compared to América's 43% by the end of the first half. This shift in control reflected their growing confidence and tactical adjustments made by Sánchez.
In the 12th minute of the first half, Rivero received the first yellow card of the match for a foul on Zendejas, indicating the physical nature of this rivalry. The match saw several moments of tension, with both sides pushing the limits in pursuit of a crucial away goal.
As the clock ticked down, fans were treated to a thrilling display of football, with both teams eager to gain an advantage ahead of the second leg. The atmosphere was electric, with supporters chanting and cheering, fully engaged in the drama unfolding on the pitch.
With the match still tied at 0-0 as it approached the final whistle, the outcome remained uncertain. Both teams were aware that every moment counted, and the stakes could not be higher as they aimed for a place in the semifinals of the prestigious Concacaf Champions Cup.
As the game concluded, the stage was set for an exciting return leg, where everything would be on the line. The rivalry between América and Cruz Azul continues to captivate fans across the nation, and this encounter was just another chapter in their storied history.
Next week, both teams will clash again, this time with a spot in the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup at stake. The anticipation is already building for what promises to be another unforgettable match in this fierce rivalry.
