In a dramatic clash on March 22, 2025, León triumphed over Cruz Azul Femenil with a score of 2-1, delivering a crucial blow to Cruz Azul's aspirations for the playoffs in the Liga MX Femenil. The match, held at La Noria, captivated fans with its intense moments and pivotal plays, affecting the course of the tournament significantly.
Cruz Azul entered the match in eighth place, clinging tightly to their playoff position with 19 points, while León sat lower in fourteenth with 15 points. The game was set against the backdrop of urgency; Cruz Azul aimed to solidify their playoff spot, and León was desperate for a win to keep their dreams alive.
As the first half unfolded, it was León who struck first in a shocking manner, as Cruz Azul player Ivonne Gutiérrez inadvertently scored an own goal in the 30th minute. This blunder left Cruz Azul, nicknamed La Máquina, trailing 1-0 as they entered the locker room.
The second half began with Cruz Azul more determined than ever to find an equalizer. They pressed hard against León's defense, with notable efforts from Deneisha Blackwood and Valeria Valdez, but it wasn’t until the 54th minute when Lizbeth Ángeles managed to finally put one past León's goalkeeper, Nicole Buenfil, after a crafty play that tied the game at 1-1.
The momentum seemed to swing in favor of Cruz Azul; however, their joy was short-lived. The match turned chaotic in the 79th minute when Aerial Chavarin was shown a red card for an aggressive foul, leaving Cruz Azul with just ten players on the field. This pivotal moment changed the dynamics of the match.
With the numerical advantage, León seized the opportunity. In the 74th minute, Sindia Arteaga scored a stunning goal, effectively putting León ahead 2-1 with a sharp strike that beat Cruz Azul goalkeeper Alejandría Godínez. This goal not only revived León's hopes of making the playoffs but also marked a significant turning point in the game.
As the match drew towards its conclusion, Cruz Azul battled to push for a leveling goal, but their efforts were thwarted by a solid León defense, coupled with fatigue and frustration from the earlier setback. In the 90th minute, an additional five minutes were added to the match, giving Cruz Azul a sliver of hope, but they could not capitalize.
After the final whistle blew, securing the victory for León, post-match reactions were filled with both disappointment and hope. Lizbeth Ángeles reflected on the game, stating, "We played well, but this loss can’t define our season," showing resilience despite the setback, while León’s hero of the day, Sindia Arteaga, expressed exhilaration, saying, "It was a hard-fought match, and we are thrilled with the victory."
This match proved to be crucial as it not only derailed Cruz Azul's good run—as they had previously achieved three consecutive wins—and their quest for playoff security but also revitalized León’s ambitions in the league. With this victory, León gained vital momentum as the tournament heads toward its climax.
In the end, León affirmed their tenacity in this tightly contested match, reminding spectators and opponents alike that anything can happen in football, especially when the stakes are high.
