On March 11, 2025, Cruz Azul faced the Seattle Sounders at Ciudad Universitaria for the second leg of the Concachampions round of 16, winning decisively with a 4-1 score. After being held to a scoreless draw during the first leg, Cruz Azul needed to secure at least one goal to advance.
The match began at 18:30 hours, where Seattle tested Cruz Azul between the moments of uncertainty. Early attempts from Seattle saw Jackson Ragen header just wide, presenting the first challenge to the home team's defense. But it didn't take long for Cruz Azul to take control and respond decisively.
After gaining momentum, Cruz Azul’s Carlos Rodríguez gave his team the lead with his goal at the 33rd minute, helping his team go up 1-0. The goal came from well-placed service by Gonzalo Piovi, showcasing the offensive prowess Cruz Azul had been desperate to find.
Following halftime, the home side increased their advantage with Ángel Sepúlveda converting on a penalty at the 71st minute after Erik Lira was fouled inside the box. That put Cruz Azul up 2-0, invoking loud cheers from their supporters and seemingly putting doubts to rest.
But just minutes later, tension returned to the stadium as Seattle's Danny Musovsky scored at the 74th minute, narrowing the score to 2-1 and reinvigorated his side's chances at advancing.
Despite the setback, Cruz Azul retaliated quickly, with Luka Romero scoring at the 84th minute to push the lead to 3-1. That goal provided the boost the home crowd needed as the team established themselves back on solid footing.
Jorge Sánchez capped off the scoring with another goal at the 88th minute, sealing the match with Cruz Azul leading 4-1 and sending Seattle Sounders packing. This commanding victory allowed Cruz Azul to advance to the quarterfinals of the Concachampions with an aggregate score of 4-1.
Cruz Azul will now prepare to face either Chivas or América, who are set to compete on March 12, 2025, for the next round. The victory is particularly encouraging for coach Vicente Sánchez, who has faced scrutiny from fans and media alike due to recent team performances.
The attendance for the match accounted for only 7,400 fans, interestingly low considering the significance of the tournament. Earlier, only 2,400 supporters showed up for Cruz Azul's initial Concachampions match against Real Hope from Haiti. Earlier attendance at Ciudad Universitaria had seen dips, with figures hovering around 10,000 for most league games, peaking at about 22,895 for the clash with Monterrey.
For many, the combination of the match's importance and Cruz Azul's recent setbacks raised questions about the support the team could generate. Even amid speculation, the team demonstrated they can find their footing just when it matters most, providing thrilling moments for the fans who did attend.
After the match, several players expressed pride and relief at the team's ability to perform under pressure. Following the game, Sánchez commented on the overall effort, highlighting his team’s willingness to push through difficult moments to seal the win.
This invigorated spirit shown by Cruz Azul may transform their season as the tournament progresses, and they now await their opponents from the next matchup. It's evident the match on March 11 will remain pivotal, marking not just a win, but also establishing confidence within the team.
Cruz Azul will need to build upon this momentum moving forward as they prepare to face either Chivas or América—the reigning giants of the competition. The next match is expected to stir excitement among fans, who have shown support with every passing game.