Cruz Azul made a triumphant return to the Concacaf Champions Cup by defeating Club América 2-1 in the second leg of the quarterfinals held on Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. This victory not only secured their place in the semifinals but also marked a significant moment in the storied rivalry known as the Clásico Joven, which celebrated its 200th edition.
The match was intense from the start, with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Cruz Azul entered the game with a strong determination to eliminate América, a feat they hadn’t achieved in an official tournament since the Copa MX semifinals in 2013. The first leg of this quarterfinal round had ended in a goalless draw, leaving everything to play for in this decisive encounter.
From the opening whistle, Cruz Azul demonstrated their intent to control the match. In the 12th minute, Ángel Sepúlveda opened the scoring with a well-placed shot after receiving a precise pass from Mateusz Bogusz. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, as the supporters of La Máquina celebrated the early lead. "It was a great feeling to score first, it gave us the confidence we needed," Sepúlveda expressed after the match.
As the first half progressed, Cruz Azul maintained pressure, dominating possession and creating several scoring opportunities. However, América’s goalkeeper, Luis Ángel Malagón, was in fine form, making crucial saves to keep his team in the game. Despite their efforts, the first half ended with Cruz Azul leading 1-0, putting them in a favorable position.
In the second half, América responded with urgency. They knew that a goal would shift the momentum in their favor. Their persistence paid off in the 57th minute when Álvaro Fidalgo found the back of the net with a clever finish, leveling the score at 1-1. This goal meant that América was now in a position to advance on away goals, putting additional pressure on Cruz Azul.
However, Cruz Azul did not back down. The team, under the guidance of coach Vicente Sánchez, rallied and continued to press forward. The turning point came in the 84th minute when Sepúlveda struck again, this time with a powerful header from a cross delivered by Ignacio Rivero. The goal sent the stadium into a frenzy, as Cruz Azul regained the lead at 2-1.
With the score now in favor of Cruz Azul, the tension in the stadium was palpable. The referee added six minutes of stoppage time, and both teams fought fiercely for control. Despite a late surge from América, Cruz Azul held firm defensively, ensuring their advancement to the semifinals.
As the final whistle blew, the players and fans erupted in celebration. “It’s been a long time since we’ve beaten América in a knockout stage, and it feels incredible,” said Sepúlveda, who was undoubtedly the star of the match with his two goals. The victory not only eliminated América from the tournament but also denied them the opportunity to pursue a double this season.
Looking ahead, Cruz Azul will face Tigres UANL in the semifinals, who eliminated LA Galaxy earlier in the day. The anticipation for this matchup is already building, as both teams are known for their competitive spirit and high-quality play.
The 200th Clásico Joven will be remembered not just for the fierce rivalry but also for the emotional significance it carried for Cruz Azul. After years of struggles against América in knockout matches, this victory represents a potential turning point for the club as they seek to reclaim their status in Mexican football.
In terms of statistics, the match was closely contested, with Cruz Azul holding 60% of the possession and creating numerous chances. The attendance at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario was impressive, with more than 58,000 fans witnessing the thrilling encounter. The atmosphere was electric, with supporters of both teams passionately cheering for their sides.
As the dust settles on this thrilling quarterfinal, the focus now shifts to the semifinals, where Cruz Azul will aim to continue their momentum against Tigres. With players like Sepúlveda in form and a supportive fan base behind them, the team is poised to make a deep run in this year's Concacaf Champions Cup.
In conclusion, Cruz Azul’s victory over Club América in the 200th Clásico Joven not only advances them in the tournament but also restores confidence and pride within the club. Fans can now look forward to the next challenge as they aim for glory in the Concacaf Champions Cup.
