Cruz Azul Advances To Quarterfinals With 4-1 Victory Over Seattle Sounders
With a commanding performance, Cruz Azul defeated Seattle Sounders 4-1 on March 11, 2025, qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
The teams faced off at the Estadio Ol1mpico Universitario, with Cruz Azul needing to overcome the 0-0 draw from the first leg. The pressure was on the Mexicans to capitalize on their home advantage, and they delivered emphatically.
Cruz Azul started the match confidently, dominating possession from the outset. They created multiple scoring opportunities early, with notable attempts but unable to convert those chances. The breakthrough came at the 33rd minute when Carlos "Charly" Rodríguez headed the ball past Sounders goalkeeper Stefan Frei after receiving a precise cross from Emanuel Piovi, putting Cruz Azul up 1-0 and placing the pressure back on Seattle.
Despite the first goal, Seattle tried to respond aggressively, creating some potential scoring chances, but the hosts continued to look dangerous. The game was building toward an intense climax when Ángel Sepúlveda scored from the penalty spot at the 70th minute, following a foul committed by Reed Baker-Whiting on Erik Lira. This goal allowed Cruz Azul to extend their lead to 2-0 and solidify their control over the match.
Seattle managed to pull one back just four minutes later when Danny Musovski found the back of the net, making it 2-1. The Sounders' hopes seemed reignited, but Cruz Azul was quick to recover. Luka Romero, who had been brought on as a substitute, scored the third goal for the home team at the 84th minute, connecting on the end of another clever pass.
With the crowd electrified, Jorge Sánchez capped the scoring for Cruz Azul just minutes later, sealing the victory with another impressive shot, ending the match 4-1. Cruz Azul's goals were characterized by determined play and effective team dynamics, showcasing their intent to advance through the tournament.
This result secures Cruz Azul's place among the final eight teams battling for the prestigious Concacaf title, where they will face the winner of the upcoming clash between the Chivas Rayadas de Guadalajara and Club América, which is anticipated shortly. Historically, Cruz Azul has been successful in this tournament, with previous wins contributing to their determination and confidence moving forward.
The team aims for continued excellence, with this victory serving not just as progress but as motivation for the matches to come. Looking forward, the players and coaching staff will hope to maintain this momentum as they tackle the next rounds of competition.
With their recent performances showing both skill and resilience, Cruz Azul's fans can look forward to exciting matches as the season progresses and their aspirations of continental glory are rekindled.