Cruz Azul's 2025 season has quickly become noteworthy, not only for its on-field performances but also the internal competition among players vying for key roles. With established names such as Giorgos Giakoumakis, Gabriel Fernández, and Ángel Sepúlveda fighting for positions, the pressure is palpable. Despite having finished 2024 strongly, Sepúlveda has surprisingly found himself sidelined, making only minimal contributions during the opening of the Clausura 2025. His absence from the lineup, particularly against Xolos where Cruz Azul triumphed 3-2, has sparked visible disappointment, capturing the essence of his frustrations.
Coach Vicente Sánchez's decision to start Sepúlveda arose only due to Giakoumakis suffering from discomfort, illustrating the cutthroat nature of competition within the squad. Compounding matters, Vicente opted not to even introduce Sepúlveda as a substitute during the match—a choice which left fans and teammates questioning the rationale behind sidelining one of the team’s key assets. It's evident Sepúlveda, known as El Cuate, remains highly regarded among his peers; yet, his current lack of playing time could impact his form.
Surprisingly, Giakoumakis, the Greek striker, managed to net two goals recently. Still, questions loom about his contribution levels, with pundits noting his difficulty in creating opportunities for himself. This raises eyebrows over the decision-making but highlights Sánchez's strategic focus. The challenging nature of the league might soon offer Sepúlveda more chances, especially with the Concachampions debut against Real Hope on the horizon.
The pressures of the season continue to build, and the crowded fixture schedule undoubtedly promises opportunities for all players. The upcoming tie against Real Hope, a team from Haiti, is particularly key as it presents Cruz Azul with not only a chance to advance but also for players like Sepúlveda to potentially cement their roles moving forward. Given the team's aspirations within the tournament and league, maintaining momentum is subjective.
Reflecting on the recent victory, Sánchez has been surprisingly self-critical. After the match against Xolos, where Cruz Azul claimed the win at Estadio Caliente, he stated, “We sought to be direct. Perhaps we missed another goal to give us more tranquility in the second half,” underscoring the tactical approach he plans to adopt moving forward. The win propelled Cruz Azul to higher positions on the league table, marking yet another important milestone, especially following such tumultuous starts.
The recent performances from Luka Romero, who struck for his debut goal against Xolos, captured the spotlight during this stretch. Sánchez expressed joy about Romero's progress, affirming the importance of his contributions within the squad. "I'm very happy for him, and all goals are more significant when they contribute to our victory," he remarked post-match, emphasizing the importance of encouraging young talent within the roster.
Interestingly, the story surrounding Sánchez goes beyond mere match results. Initially seen as an unknown figure taking charge of the team, he has proven his mettle through impressive gameplay and successful strategies during matches. His initial tenure included three matches—all pivotal—leading to the recent triumphs. If his success continues, Santos could see him positioned long-term, shaping the team's identity and performance.
Despite these victories, there remains uncertainty about Sánchez's future. The club management, headed by Iván Alonso, has not ruled out the possibility of appointing someone with more experience should results take a downturn. Although Sánchez is currently gaining fans and trust, the volatile nature of football management could shift based on future outcomes.
Cruz Azul's desire for their tenth league title looms large over the team amid various challenges this season. Rising through the league table has become integral for the team as they prepare for matches and larger competitions. The overall state of the team has seen ups and downs; yet, with Sánchez's vision and young talent on the rise, the potential remains promising for the remainder of Clausura 2025.
With the next match against Pachuca just around the corner, the focus intensifies. Fans are eager to see if Sánchez’s methods prevail, especially after climbing from the lower end of the table. Only time will tell how the internal competition and coaching decisions shape the narrative for Cruz Azul this season as they continue to navigate through local and continental challenges.