On Saturday, March 30, 2025, the Liga MX saw an exciting clash as Chivas faced off against Cruz Azul at the Estadio Jalisco for Jornada 13 of the Torneo Clausura 2025. This match was particularly significant as it took place at the Estadio Jalisco due to a ban on the Estadio Akron, adding an extra layer of drama to the encounter.
The first half was a showcase of missed opportunities for Chivas, who dominated possession and created several chances but failed to convert. In the early minutes, Cruz Azul's Mateusz Bogusz made a notable attempt, testing Chivas goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, who was up to the task. The home side finally found their rhythm, generating their first real opportunity in the 13th minute when Gilberto 'Tiba' Sepúlveda failed to capitalize on a cross.
As the match progressed, Chivas continued to press, with Roberto Alvarado delivering a well-placed cross to Luis Romo in the 25th minute. Romo headed the ball on target, but it was expertly saved by Cruz Azul's Kevin Mier. The pressure mounted for the visitors as Cade Cowell sent a clever through ball to Javier Hernández in the 33rd minute, only for the striker to be thwarted by Mier once again.
Chivas seemed to be on the verge of breaking the deadlock, with Hernández having another chance in the 37th minute, but Mier's positioning was impeccable. In the 39th minute, Romo's shot rattled the left post, leaving the Chivas faithful in disbelief as they remained scoreless despite their efforts.
However, the tide turned dramatically in stoppage time. Just as the first half was set to conclude, Luka Romero sent a precise cross into the box, finding Ignacio Rivero, who rose above the defense to head the ball past Rangel. This goal, scored at 45+2 minutes, marked Rivero's fifth of the tournament, making him the top scorer for Cruz Azul. It was also a significant milestone for Rivero, as it was his 20th goal with La Máquina, placing him among the Top 25 scorers in Torneos Cortos.
Rivero's goal was a bitter pill for Chivas, who had controlled much of the play but were now trailing 1-0 at halftime. The moment was a testament to Cruz Azul's resilience and ability to capitalize on their chances, even when outplayed. The goal was a classic case of making the most of a single opportunity, and it sent the Cruz Azul fans into a frenzy.
The second half presented Chivas with the challenge of overcoming their deficit. Their manager, Vicente Sánchez, urged his players to maintain their composure and continue creating chances. However, the pressure was palpable as the team struggled to find the net.
As the match progressed, the conditions on the pitch became a talking point. The Estadio Jalisco's surface was less than ideal, leading to concerns from both teams about the quality of play. Despite this, players like Luka Romero and Ignacio Rivero continued to shine, with Romero's assist being pivotal in the match's opening goal.
Romero's journey to Cruz Azul was also a subplot of the match. The 20-year-old had been close to signing with Chivas before opting for Cruz Azul, a decision that had not gone unnoticed by the home crowd. When his name was announced, he was met with a chorus of boos from the Chivas fans, a clear indication of the rivalry and the emotions involved.
Rumors had swirled regarding interest from Boca Juniors in Romero, but those seemed unfounded given his recent arrival at Cruz Azul. Instead, he focused on the match, undeterred by the hostility from the stands, and continued to contribute to his team's efforts.
As the second half wore on, Chivas intensified their attack, desperately seeking an equalizer. Each missed opportunity only added to their frustration, while Cruz Azul remained resolute in defense, with Mier continuing to deny Chivas' attempts to score. The match was a showcase of determination from both sides, with Chivas pushing forward and Cruz Azul holding their ground.
The intensity of the match was palpable, with the atmosphere in the stadium electric as fans rallied behind their teams. Chivas fans were vocal in their support, urging their players to find that elusive goal, while Cruz Azul supporters celebrated every defensive stop.
As the clock wound down, Chivas faced the harsh reality of their situation. Despite their dominance in possession and chances created, they found themselves on the wrong end of a scoreline that reflected their inability to finish. The match served as a stark reminder of the fine margins in football, where a single moment can change the course of the game.
In the end, Cruz Azul's ability to capitalize on their chances proved decisive. The match concluded with a score of Chivas 0-1 Cruz Azul, a result that left Chivas to ponder their missed opportunities and what could have been.
The implications of this match stretch beyond just the scoreline; it raises questions about Chivas' finishing ability and their need to convert chances into goals. As the season progresses, they will need to address these shortcomings if they hope to contend for the top spots in Liga MX.
For Cruz Azul, the victory is a significant boost as they continue their campaign in the Torneo Clausura. With players like Ignacio Rivero leading the charge, they will look to build on this momentum in the coming matches.
