In a thrilling encounter that lived up to its billing, Club América and Cruz Azul played to a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of their Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes on April 1, 2025. Both teams had their chances, but neither could find the back of the net, setting the stage for a decisive second leg next week at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
The match was marked by high stakes, as the winner will not only advance to the semifinals but also secure a spot in the 2029 Club World Cup. Fans from both sides filled the stadium, creating an electric atmosphere that showcased the fierce rivalry between the two Mexican giants.
América came into the match riding a wave of confidence, having recently secured a dominant 3-0 victory over Tigres UANL and boasting an impressive record of nine wins, three draws, and just one loss in Liga MX this season. The team has been in formidable form under coach Andre Jardine, who has guided them to the top of the league standings with 30 points from 13 matches.
On the other hand, Cruz Azul, coached by Vicente Sánchez since January 2025, also entered the match with momentum, having defeated Seattle Sounders 4-1 in the previous round of the tournament. Despite their recent successes, the team has struggled for consistency in Liga MX, currently sitting fifth in the standings.
The first half saw both teams create scoring opportunities, but it was Cruz Azul who had a goal ruled out for offside, denying them an early lead. Kevin Mier, the Colombian goalkeeper for Cruz Azul, was a standout performer, making several key saves to keep the match level. His counterpart, Luis Malagón, also had his moments, responding with crucial stops to thwart América's advances.
As the match progressed, América began to dominate possession, pushing for a breakthrough. However, Cruz Azul's defense held firm, with players like Willer Ditta and Nacho Rivero stepping up to thwart the home team's attacks. The intensity of the match escalated, leading to a flurry of yellow cards—five in total—as both teams battled fiercely for control.
Despite their efforts, América's players, including Alejandro Zendejas, who struck the crossbar with a powerful shot, were unable to convert their chances into goals. The frustration was palpable as they squandered several clear opportunities, with Zendejas and Bryan Rodríguez both coming close to scoring.
In the final minutes of the match, América pressed hard for a late winner, but Cruz Azul's defense was resolute, and the match ended goalless. The result leaves everything to play for in the second leg, where away goals will serve as the first tie-breaker. If the aggregate score remains tied after 180 minutes, the match will go to extra time and, if necessary, penalties.
Looking ahead to the second leg, both teams will be keen to capitalize on their respective strengths. América will aim to leverage their home advantage at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, while Cruz Azul will look to exploit any defensive lapses from their rivals. The anticipation surrounding this matchup is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome.
As the dust settles on this first leg, the rivalry between América and Cruz Azul continues to thrive, with the next chapter set to unfold on April 8, 2025. Both teams will need to bring their best to secure a place in the semifinals and keep their dreams of continental glory alive.
