Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM faced off in a thrilling Liga MX match on April 5, 2025, at the historic Cuauhtémoc Stadium. The match was highly anticipated, with both teams coming off recent victories and eager to solidify their positions in the league standings. The encounter concluded with Cruz Azul triumphing over Pumas UNAM with a score of 3-1, showcasing their dominance and tactical prowess.
The game kicked off at 11 PM ET, and from the outset, Pumas UNAM seemed to have the upper hand. Ignacio Pussetto opened the scoring for the visitors in the 20th minute, capitalizing on a well-executed play that caught the Cruz Azul defense off guard. The early goal set the tone for an exciting first half, as Pumas displayed aggressive play and controlled possession.
However, Cruz Azul quickly responded to the challenge. After a period of pressure, Rodolfo Rotondi leveled the score in the 30th minute, demonstrating his knack for being in the right place at the right time. The home crowd erupted as the Cementeros found their rhythm, and the match began to shift in their favor.
As the first half progressed, the intensity escalated. Andres Montaño put Cruz Azul ahead just before halftime with a powerful strike that left Pumas goalkeeper Kevin Mier with little chance to react. The score at halftime was 2-1, with Cruz Azul showing resilience and determination to turn the game around.
In the second half, Cruz Azul continued to apply pressure, and their efforts paid off when Rodolfo Rotondi scored his second goal of the match, extending the lead to 3-1. His performance was pivotal, showcasing his skill and ability to capitalize on chances created by his teammates.
Despite the scoreline, Pumas UNAM did not back down. They attempted to regain control of the match, but their efforts were hampered by a lack of finishing quality. The team struggled to convert their chances into goals, and their frustrations were compounded when Efrain Juárez received a red card for dissent, leaving Pumas a man down.
Throughout the match, Cruz Azul's defense held strong, denying Pumas the opportunity to mount a significant comeback. The Cementeros' goalkeeper, Kevin Mier, made crucial saves, including a penalty stop against Nathan Silva, which could have shifted the momentum back in favor of the visitors.
As the final whistle blew, Cruz Azul celebrated a well-deserved victory, reinforcing their position in the Liga MX standings. The win marked their 21st victory of the season, as they continue to build on a strong campaign. With this result, Cruz Azul remains a formidable contender as the playoffs approach.
The rivalry between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM is storied, with this match adding another chapter to their competitive history. In their last 70 encounters, Cruz Azul has emerged victorious 31 times, while Pumas has won 16, with 23 matches ending in a draw. This latest victory showcases Cruz Azul's dominance in recent years, particularly in crucial matchups.
Looking ahead, both teams will need to regroup and reassess their strategies as the Liga MX season progresses. Cruz Azul's focus will be on maintaining their momentum and securing a top position in the standings, while Pumas UNAM will need to address their inconsistencies to remain competitive.
As the fans exited the stadium, the excitement of the match lingered in the air, with supporters eager for the next installment of this fierce rivalry. The Liga MX season continues to deliver thrilling encounters, and this match between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM was no exception, highlighting the passion and intensity that characterizes Mexican football.
