Cruz Azul had an impressive victory at the Estadio Oledmpico Universitario, defeating Seattle Sounders 4-1 on March 11, 2025, to secure their place in the quarter-finals of the Concacaf Champions Cup (Concachampions). After the first leg of the knockout round ended with a 0-0 draw at Lumen Field, the cementers capitalized on home advantage to dominate the second leg, with key contributions from several players.
Charly Rodrguez opened the scoring for Cruz Azul with a goal at the 36th minute, capitalizing on Gonzalo Piovi's assist. His header marked the start of what would become a dominant game for La Máquina. Just minutes later, Angel Sepulveda missed another chance to double the lead but controlled the match's momentum, which set the tone for the rest of the encounter.
The Seattle Sounders began the match aggressively, pushing early to create chances, and Jordan Morris had the first significant shot just five minutes in. Despite their attempts, the visitors struggled to maintain pressure against Cruz Azul, steadily losing ground as the match progressed.
The second half saw continued dominance from Cruz Azul. By the 70th minute, they were awarded a penalty after Erik Lira was fouled by Paul Rothrock. Sepulveda stepped up to take the shot and successfully netted the ball, doubling Cruz Azul's lead to 2-0. The team's jubilation was short-lived, as the Sounders struck back only minutes later; Daniel Musovski pulled one back for Seattle at the 74th minute, creating some tension with the score now at 2-1.
Yet, Cruz Azul responded efficiently, showcasing their offensive depth. Luka Romero scored the third goal at the 85th minute, assisted by Rodolfo Rotondi, once again widening the gap to 3-1. Finally, Jorge Snchez capped the evening with the fourth goal at the 88th minute, sealing the game and securing their spot in the next round.
Now, Cruz Azul awaits to find out who they will face next, as they will compete against the winner between America and Chivas Guadalajara. This performance not only reflects their skill but also their capacity to perform under pressure, especially after the previous draw against Monterrey in Liga MX, where they secured only one point.
The victory also showcases Cruz Azul's historical prowess within the Concacaf Champions League, having won the tournament six times previously. Coach Vicente Snchez’s strategy and the team's execution highlight their aim for another title.
Following the match, the sentiment among fans and analysts remains positive, with many identifying the team's performance as one marked by resilience and tactical awareness. They capitalized on scoring opportunities efficiently, enjoyed solid defensive play, and exhibited impressive teamwork.
For Cruz Azul, the road to the quarter-finals was fraught with challenges, especially considering Seattle's earlier success in MLS, including their recent 5-2 victory over LAFC, but La Máquina controlled their game and turned the tides to emerge triumphant.
Looking forward, Cruz Azul aims to build on this momentum as they prepare for what promises to be another thrilling encounter in the quarter-finals. With supporters rallying behind them and anticipation building for the next match, the team is determined to solidify their place as one of the premier clubs not only within Mexico but across North America.