In a thrilling encounter at the Nou Camp, Cruz Azul edged out Club León 3-2 in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals on May 8, 2025. The match showcased the intensity and drama that the Liguilla is known for, with both teams battling fiercely for a crucial advantage heading into the second leg.
Cruz Azul, riding high after a strong season that saw them finish third in the league, was quick to assert their dominance. Within the first 20 minutes, they managed to score twice, setting the tone for a challenging night for León. The first goal came in the 14th minute when Ignacio Rivero capitalized on a defensive error, slotting home after a chaotic sequence in the box. Just five minutes later, Andrés Montaño doubled the lead with a powerful left-footed shot that found the back of the net, leaving León’s defense scrambling.
León, however, was not ready to roll over. They responded with vigor, and in the 29th minute, Sebastián Santos pulled one back for the home side, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by Cruz Azul. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, as fans rallied behind their team, hoping for a comeback.
As the second half kicked off, León came out with renewed energy. Just 45 seconds in, Iván Moreno scored, leveling the score at 2-2 and igniting hopes of a complete turnaround. The home crowd erupted, sensing that León could seize the momentum.
Despite the setback, Cruz Azul remained composed and quickly regained their footing. In the 41st minute, Montaño struck again, scoring his second goal of the night to restore Cruz Azul's lead to 3-2. This goal proved to be vital as it shifted the pressure back onto León, who were now facing an uphill battle.
The match was not without its controversies. Adonis Frías of León was sent off in the 50th minute after a VAR review determined he had committed a last-man foul on a Cruz Azul attacker, leaving León with ten men for the remainder of the match. This red card significantly altered the dynamics, forcing León to defend deeper and rely on counter-attacks.
Despite being a man down, León continued to push forward, creating several chances. In a particularly tense moment, Andrés Guardado almost equalized in the 61st minute with a spectacular overhead kick, but Cruz Azul's goalkeeper Kevin Mier was equal to the task, making a crucial save to maintain his team's lead.
As the clock ticked down, León's desperation grew. They piled on the pressure, but Cruz Azul’s defense held firm, successfully staving off multiple attacks. The match concluded with a flurry of intensity, as seven minutes of added time were announced, allowing León one last opportunity to salvage a draw.
Despite their best efforts, León could not find the equalizer, and the match ended with a 3-2 victory for Cruz Azul. The aggregate score now stands at 3-2 in favor of Cruz Azul, giving them a narrow lead heading into the return leg.
León's coach, Eduardo Berizzo, expressed disappointment but remained optimistic about the second leg. "We have to regroup and come back stronger. The return of James Rodríguez will be crucial for us," he stated, referring to the star player who was suspended for this match due to a red card received in the previous game against Monterrey.
Rodríguez's absence was felt throughout the match, as León struggled to find the creative spark needed to break down Cruz Azul's defense. His expected return for the second leg on May 11 could provide the boost León needs to overturn the deficit.
The second leg of this exciting quarterfinal matchup will take place at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City, where both teams will look to secure their spot in the semifinals. Cruz Azul will aim to hold onto their aggregate lead, while León will be determined to capitalize on their home advantage and the return of their key player.
As the teams prepare for the decisive clash, fans are left buzzing with anticipation. Will León manage to mount a comeback, or will Cruz Azul hold firm and advance to the next round? Only time will tell in this gripping Liga MX playoff battle.
