Cruz Azul pulled off a thrilling 2-1 victory over América in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup 2025 quarter-finals, held at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City on April 8, 2025. This result not only allowed Cruz Azul to advance to the semifinals but also saw them win the tie with a 2-1 aggregate score.
The match began with high stakes following a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg at Estadio Azteca. Ángel Sepúlveda emerged as the hero for Cruz Azul, scoring both goals that propelled his team forward. The first came in the 12th minute, showcasing his sharp instincts as he converted a long clearance from goalkeeper Kevin Mier with a deft left-footed finish.
América, under the management of André Jardine, found their footing in the second half and equalized through Álvaro Fidalgo in the 57th minute, igniting hopes of a comeback. However, Sepúlveda struck again with a powerful header in the 85th minute, sealing the victory for Cruz Azul and sending their fans into a frenzy.
Throughout the match, both teams had their share of opportunities, but the goalkeepers, Kevin Mier for Cruz Azul and Ángel Malagón for América, made several crucial saves that kept the game competitive. This win marked a significant moment for Cruz Azul, who have been seeking redemption after falling short in previous finals against América.
With this victory, Cruz Azul will meet Tigres in the semifinals, who advanced by eliminating LA Galaxy with a 3-2 aggregate score. The anticipation is already building as fans look forward to this next matchup, which promises to be just as electrifying.
As for the match details, the game kicked off at 21:30 Central Mexico Time (11:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM PT) and was broadcast live on Tubi TV in Mexico, while U.S. viewers could catch the action on TUDN USA, ViX Premium, UniMás, Univisión, FOX Sports, and FuboTV. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant backdrop for this crucial encounter.
Cruz Azul's journey to this point has been marked by resilience and determination. They recently secured a 3-2 victory over Pumas UNAM in the Liga MX Clausura 2025, which helped boost their confidence ahead of this critical clash. Sitting third in Liga MX with 28 points, they have shown a strong form this season, with Sepúlveda playing a pivotal role in their attack.
On the flip side, América faced a challenge coming into this match after a 1-0 loss to Pachuca in their last Liga MX outing, which ended a five-game winning streak. Despite their strong position in the league, sitting second with 29 points, the absence of key players like Henry Martín seemed to impact their offensive capabilities.
The rivalry between Cruz Azul and América, known as the Clásico Joven, has always been intense, and this latest encounter lived up to the expectations. Historically, América has had the upper hand in this matchup, with 13 Concacaf titles compared to Cruz Azul's single title in 2014. However, this match showcased Cruz Azul's determination to rewrite their narrative against their arch-rivals.
Looking ahead, the next encounter between these two teams is scheduled for April 12, 2025, in the Liga MX Clausura 2025 at Ciudad de los Deportes. Fans are already buzzing with excitement for what promises to be another thrilling chapter in this storied rivalry. The match will be broadcast on Canal 5 and TUDN in Mexico, and on Univisión and TUDN in the United States.
In conclusion, Cruz Azul's victory over América not only marks a significant achievement in the Concacaf Champions Cup but also sets the stage for an exciting semifinal showdown against Tigres. As both teams prepare for their next challenges, fans can expect more drama and excitement in the matches to come.
