In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Cruz Azul emerged victorious against their arch-rivals América, winning 2-1 in the second leg of the Concachampions quarter-finals. This match marked the 200th edition of the Clásico Joven, a fixture that has always been laden with drama and intensity.
Cruz Azul came into this match with a strong game plan, having held América to a goalless draw in the first leg. The pressure was on Vicente Sánchez's team to capitalize on their home advantage, and they did just that. Ángel Sepúlveda opened the scoring early in the 12th minute, showcasing his exceptional striking ability. After a scramble for possession, Mateusz Bogusz laid the ball off to Sepúlveda, who, despite being at an awkward angle, managed to slot it past América's goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
With this goal, Sepúlveda not only gave Cruz Azul the lead but also reached five goals in the international tournament, solidifying his status as the top scorer of the 2025 Concachampions.
The first half saw Cruz Azul controlling the tempo of the game, with Kevin Mier in goal making crucial saves to keep América at bay. Mier, who had performed admirably in the first leg, continued his fine form, thwarting several attempts from América's attackers, including a powerful header from Nacho Rivero and a close-range shot from Bogusz.
As the match progressed, América began to find their rhythm and created more opportunities. However, they struggled to convert their chances, and their frustrations grew. The only blemish on Cruz Azul's first half was a yellow card for Gonzalo Piovi, who fouled Alejandro Zendejas in the 10th minute.
At halftime, Cruz Azul held a narrow 1-0 lead, but the second half promised to be a different story. América, under the guidance of coach André Jardine, knew they needed to respond quickly to keep their hopes of advancing alive.
In the 57th minute, the visitors found their equalizer through Álvaro Fidalgo, who skillfully finished a well-placed pass to make it 1-1. This goal put América in a favorable position, as they were set to advance on away goals if the score remained tied.
However, Cruz Azul was determined not to let their rivals take control. They ramped up their attacking efforts, with Sepúlveda once again proving to be a thorn in América's side. In the 80th minute, Cruz Azul came close to regaining the lead, but Malagón was quick to react, denying Sepúlveda a second goal.
As the match entered its final minutes, the tension was palpable. With just a few minutes remaining, Cruz Azul made a decisive move. In the 94th minute, Sepúlveda struck again, scoring his second goal of the match and sealing the victory for Cruz Azul at 2-1. This goal not only secured the win but also ensured that Cruz Azul advanced to the semi-finals of the Concachampions, a significant achievement for the team.
Despite the loss, América's players fought valiantly, with Kevin Álvarez, Diego Valdés, and Brian Rodríguez posing constant threats throughout the match. However, it was clear that the night belonged to Cruz Azul, who celebrated their hard-fought victory.
The match concluded with a final score of 2-1 in favor of Cruz Azul, who will now look ahead to the semi-finals with renewed confidence. The win not only marks a significant milestone in their campaign but also serves as a statement against their long-standing rivals. With the final whistle, the players and fans erupted in celebration, marking a historic night for Cruz Azul.
As the dust settles on this thrilling encounter, questions remain about América's future in the tournament. With their focus on the Concachampions, this defeat will undoubtedly sting, but the team will need to regroup and refocus as they prepare for the challenges ahead in the Liga MX.
In the end, Cruz Azul proved that they could rise to the occasion, overcoming their rivals and advancing in a tournament that has eluded them in recent years. As they move forward, fans will be eager to see how far this momentum can carry them in the Concachampions.
