In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Nou Camp, Cruz Azul secured a vital 3-2 victory over Club León in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The match was a showcase of intensity and drama, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying return leg.
Both teams entered this crucial playoff matchup with differing trajectories in the regular season. León, who finished sixth with 30 points, had struggled in their final matches, winning only one of their last seven games. Their form was compounded by the absence of star player James Rodríguez, who was serving a suspension after being sent off in the last match of the regular season against Monterrey. In contrast, Cruz Azul, finishing third with 33 points, came into the match riding high after reaching the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The match kicked off at 9:10 PM Central Mexico Time, with a lively crowd filling the Nou Camp, known for its passionate supporters. The weather was favorable, with temperatures around 27 degrees Celsius and clear skies, perfect for an exciting night of football.
From the outset, Cruz Azul showcased their attacking prowess. Ignacio Rivero opened the scoring in the 14th minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from León's goalkeeper Oscar Jiménez. Rivero seized the opportunity, slotting the ball into the net to give La Máquina an early lead.
Just five minutes later, Andrés Montaño doubled Cruz Azul's advantage, scoring in the 19th minute with a powerful left-footed shot that left Jiménez with no chance. The visitors were in control, and their confidence was palpable as they pressed for a third goal.
León, however, wasn’t going to back down easily. They managed to pull one back in the 29th minute when Sebastián Santos found the net after a well-placed cross from Andrés Guardado. This goal reignited the hopes of the home crowd, bringing the score to 2-1.
As the first half progressed, tensions rose, leading to a pivotal moment in the match. Adonis Frías of León received a red card shortly after the start of the second half in the 51st minute, following a VAR review that deemed his challenge on Ángel Sepúlveda a foul worthy of expulsion. This left León with ten men, complicating their efforts to mount a comeback.
Despite being a man down, León managed to score again in the 46th minute through Iván Moreno, who took advantage of a defensive lapse from Cruz Azul. This goal brought the score to 3-2, setting up a tense final stretch.
However, Cruz Azul responded swiftly, with Montaño scoring his second of the night in the 41st minute, restoring their two-goal cushion and making the score 3-1. His performance was crucial, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-stakes situations, particularly in the Liguilla.
The match saw several other chances for both teams, with León pushing for an equalizer while Cruz Azul sought to extend their lead. Kevin Mier, Cruz Azul's goalkeeper, made several key saves, including a crucial stop against Mendoza, who was looking to capitalize on a breakaway.
As the final whistle approached, León continued to apply pressure, but Cruz Azul's defense held firm. The match concluded with a score of 3-2 in favor of Cruz Azul, giving them a significant advantage heading into the second leg of the quarterfinals.
The historical context of this matchup also played a role in the atmosphere. Cruz Azul had previously dominated León in their last five encounters, winning four and drawing one, which added an extra layer of pressure on the home side to turn the tide.
Looking ahead, both teams will need to regroup as they prepare for the return leg. León will be eager to bounce back but will need to overcome the absence of Frías and find a way to break through Cruz Azul's resilient defense. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul will aim to maintain their momentum and secure their place in the semifinals.
Fans can look forward to an exhilarating second leg, where every moment will count as both teams vie for a spot in the Liga MX semifinals. With the stakes higher than ever, the excitement surrounding this matchup is palpable as both clubs look to make their mark in the Liguilla.
