MEXICO CITY — Cruz Azul marked their return to glory last night with a commanding 4-1 victory over Seattle Sounders FC, advancing to the quarterfinals of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. This notable outcome came after both teams battled to a tense 0-0 draw just the night before during the first leg at Seattle's home ground.
The decisive match unfolded at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where Cruz Azul showcased their superiority, transitioning from their recent struggle for form to deliver a performance full of vigor and determination. Carlos Rodríguez ignited the scoring frenzy with his goal at the 33-minute mark, rising high to meet a cross from Gonzalo Piovi and directing it powerfully past the Sounders' goalkeeper.
Following Rodríguez's opening goal, the momentum was firmly with Cruz Azul. They leveraged their home advantage, and the supporters erupted again when Ángel Sepúlveda converted from the penalty spot at the 71-minute mark, solidifying their lead. "The great performance by the team today really showed our potential," Sepúlveda stated post-match, reflecting on the collective effort. This marked Sepúlveda's fourth goal of the tournament, reinforcing his position as the top scorer of the Champions Cup.
Seattle fought back with spirit, as Danny Musovski managed to score for the visitors at the 75-minute mark, taking advantage of a free kick opportunity within the box. But the joy of scoring was short-lived, as Luka Romero responded just ten minutes later, restoring Cruz Azul's two-goal cushion. Jorge Sánchez then sealed the deal with another goal at the 88th minute, concluding the match at 4-1.
With this victory, Cruz Azul advanced with a comprehensive 4-1 aggregate scoreline. The triumph emphasizes their dominance, particularly at home; since 2020, they have won all seven Concacaf Champions Cup matches where they scored the first goal, with only two goals conceded across these games.
Carlos Rodríguez expressed his thrill about the match, exclaiming, "We knew we had to step it up at home, and we did just what we needed to," highlighting his personal achievement of scoring his first-ever goal in the Concacaf Champions Cup. Previously, he had logged 20 matches within the competition, having played for various teams. His selection for this game paid off, and he let his performance speak.
Now, Cruz Azul prepares for the quarterfinals with excitement, where they will face the winner of the Club América versus CD Guadalajara series, with the former trailing 1-0. The team feels bolstered by their current status and cannot help but reflect on how they’ve historically fared against MLS teams. Liga MX teams have advanced 20 of the last 21 times after winning or drawing the first leg against MLS teams since the Concacaf Champions Cup began modern play.
On the other side of the pitch, the Sounders, who came off of notable form after their commanding 5-2 victory over LAFC, will take heart from their performance even if the level of disappointment is palpable. Their ability to respond with goals during other fixtures leaves room for optimism as the tournament progresses. Seattle Sounders managed to score at least one goal during seven of their nine away matches against Mexican teams historically, which is no small feat.
This match was not just about the scores; it showcased the hearts of the teams and the fanatical support from the stands, with Cruz Azul rallying together to turn their fortunes around at home. The upcoming quarterfinals will ignite even more excitement and anticipation as these storied teams vie for the ultimate prize.
With the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup heating up, Cruz Azul stands tall, ready to take on the next challenge, all the enquanto en busca de glory. This win reignites hope not only within their own ranks but also among their devoted fans who eagerly await the chance to see their team continue to excel on this elevated platform, racing forward with their eyes set on the ultimate prize.