Cruz Azul and Club America are set to clash once again in a high-stakes encounter as they face off in the second leg of the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal. The atmosphere at Estadio Olímpico Universitario is expected to be electric, with both teams eager to secure a spot in the semifinals following a tense scoreless opener that reflected just how evenly matched these bitter rivals are.
The first leg, played on April 1, ended in a 0-0 draw, leaving everything to play for in this decisive matchup. With the away goals rule in effect, any goal scored by Club America would be monumental, as it would give them the advantage in the aggregate score. Cruz Azul enters this match with confidence, looking to capitalize on their home-field advantage and finally overcome a recent history of playoff heartbreak against their rivals.
When will the Cruz Azul vs Club America match be played? The game is scheduled for Tuesday, April 8, 2025, at 11:30 PM ET. For fans in the United States, the match will be broadcast on several platforms, including FS1, TUDN, UniMás, and streaming services like Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Sling.
Cruz Azul currently sits third in the Liga MX Clausura standings, with a record of 21 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses, totaling 70 points. They are just two points behind leaders Club America, who are at the top of the table with a record of 17 wins, 6 draws, and 8 losses. The stakes are incredibly high, with both teams looking to assert their dominance in this historic rivalry.
Both teams have faced each other three times in the last seven months, with each side winning once and the other match ending in a draw. The last encounter, a scoreless draw, showcased the tactical battle between the two managers, with both teams showing a clear respect for each other’s strengths. Cruz Azul controlled 55% of the possession during that match but failed to convert their dominance into goals.
Cruz Azul's interim manager Vicente Sánchez has managed to steady the ship following the abrupt departure of former manager Martín Anselmi, who left mid-tournament to take over at FC Porto. Under Sánchez's guidance, Cruz Azul has gone on a remarkable 10-match unbeaten run, winning four of their last five matches across all competitions. Their home form has been particularly dominant, with six wins in their last seven matches at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, scoring a total of 19 goals during that stretch.
One key player for Cruz Azul is forward Angel Sepulveda, who has been in sensational form, netting four goals in four Champions Cup outings. His ability to find the back of the net will be crucial if Cruz Azul hopes to advance past Club America.
On the other hand, Club America enters this match in first place in the Liga MX standings but has stumbled recently, going two matches without a victory or a goal. Their last match ended in a disappointing 1-0 loss to Pachuca, which saw Salomon Rondon score the only goal in the 20th minute. Despite this, America boasts a wealth of attacking talent, with Brian Rodriguez, who has scored 8 goals and provided 9 assists this season, being one of their most dangerous players. Rodriguez's explosive pace and ability to beat defenders could be pivotal in breaking down a solid Cruz Azul defense.
As both teams prepare for this high-stakes clash, the history of their rivalry adds another layer of intensity. Club America has eliminated Cruz Azul in their last two playoff encounters, first in the Liga MX Clausura 2024 final and again in the Apertura semifinals. This history of postseason heartbreak will undoubtedly serve as motivation for Cruz Azul as they seek revenge and redemption in front of their home crowd.
The winner of this quarterfinal matchup will face the victor between Tigres and LA Galaxy in the semifinals, adding further significance to this already crucial encounter. With both teams fielding alternative sides over the weekend in preparation for this match, it’s clear that the CONCACAF Champions Cup is taking precedence for both clubs.
As the match approaches, fans are eagerly anticipating a thrilling contest filled with drama and excitement. With the aggregate score still at 0-0, the intensity promises to be sky-high as both teams chase a coveted spot in the semifinals. Will Cruz Azul finally overcome their playoff demons, or will Club America continue their recent dominance? One thing is for sure: this clash is not to be missed.
