Cruz Azul is riding a wave of optimism as they prepare for the second leg of the Concachampions semifinals against Tigres, following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the first leg. The team, known as La Máquina, not only aims to advance to the final but also hopes to host the decisive match at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. If they can eliminate Tigres, they would face either Inter Miami or Vancouver Whitecaps in the final, scheduled for June 1, 2025.
According to Concacaf regulations, specifically Article 12.8, the organization reserves the right to grant hosting rights to the club with the highest ranking. As it stands, Cruz Azul leads the four semifinalists with nine points and a +4 goal difference, putting them in a favorable position to host the final. Their next match at home is crucial; they need to win by at least two goals to solidify their chances of hosting the final.
Cruz Azul's position is bolstered by their recent performance. After the draw against Tigres, they have a better goal difference than both Tigres and Inter Miami, who also have nine points but lower goal differentials. The team is focused on achieving a strong victory in their upcoming match on May 1 at Ciudad Universitaria, where they will look to secure their spot in the final.
Tigres, on the other hand, is also eyeing a place in the final. The team has a rich history in the Concachampions, having reached the finals four times before. They aim to make it five but will need to overcome Cruz Azul in the second leg. The team is confident, having performed well in their recent encounters in Mexico City, winning four of their last seven matches against Cruz Azul there.
Despite the setback of not winning at home in the first leg, Tigres remains optimistic. Midfielder Guido Pizarro emphasized the need for improvement, stating, "It’s a very even phase, where two teams are trying to play football. It was a fair result. They did better at times, and we reacted to equalize. We need to do better in the return match to advance. We have to score, understanding it’s 90 minutes and a close match.”
Both teams are preparing intensely for the return leg. For Cruz Azul, the return of Luka Romero, who was sidelined due to injury, is a significant boost. His recovery means they will have one of their key players back on the field, enhancing their chances of a strong performance against Tigres.
As the teams gear up for what promises to be an electrifying match, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The winner will not only secure a place in the final but also the opportunity to play at home if Cruz Azul maintains their top ranking. The anticipation is palpable, with fans eagerly awaiting the showdown.
In the other semifinal, Vancouver Whitecaps managed a crucial 2-0 victory over Inter Miami in the first leg, complicating matters for the MLS side. The Whitecaps’ success has shifted the dynamics in the tournament, making Cruz Azul’s potential hosting of the final even more intriguing.
Amidst the excitement, Concacaf's regulations stipulate that the final must be held at a neutral venue, but the organization has the discretion to award hosting rights based on team rankings. This has led to speculation about possible venue changes, including a potential move to Los Angeles if Cruz Azul were to advance as the top team.
Adrián Esparza Oteo, a spokesperson for Cruz Azul, mentioned that Concacaf has begun inspecting potential venues in Mexico, including Estadio Olímpico Universitario and El Volcán, for the final. He confirmed that if Cruz Azul advances and retains their position at the top, the intention is to host the final at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, respecting the club's sporting rights.
The excitement surrounding the Concachampions is mirrored in the Liga MX, where Cruz Azul has also qualified for the Liguilla, the playoff stage of the Mexican football league. They will face León in the quarterfinals, adding another layer of intensity to their schedule.
As the match approaches, fans are gearing up to support their teams in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the semifinals. Cruz Azul will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage, while Tigres aims to break their opponents' momentum and secure a spot in the final.
With the second leg on May 1, both teams are aware that every moment counts. The stakes are high, and the passion of the fans will undoubtedly play a crucial role in this pivotal match. Will Cruz Azul secure their place in the final and host it at home, or will Tigres pull off an upset and advance to their fifth Concachampions final? The answer will unfold in just a few days.
