On the night of February 28, 2025, Mazatlán FC and Cruz Azul battled to a 1-1 draw at Estadio El Encanto, adding another chapter to their competitive saga.
The match, which was part of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 tournament, saw action right from the start. With both teams eager to collect points, Cruz Azul demonstrated dominance early on, showcasing several aggressive attempts to score. Although they struggled to find the back of the net during the first half, the visitors kept the pressure on, forcing Mazatlán to play defensively.
Despite the initial control from Cruz Azul, several near misses defined the first half. The standout moment came when Ángel Sepúlveda's header hit the crossbar, leaving Cruz Azul frustrated as they headed to the locker rooms at halftime without scoring.
The second half brought renewed energy with both teams pushing for victory. The first major breakthrough arrived at the 62nd minute, when Cruz Azul’s Mateusz Bogusz scored with a spectacular free kick, curling the ball past Mazatlán’s goalkeeper Hugo González. This marked Bogusz’s first goal since joining Liga MX, and it was exactly the kind of strike the visiting team needed to assert their authority.
After taking the lead, Cruz Azul seemed poised to secure the victory. Yet, just as the game was approaching its final minutes, their fortunes shifted dramatically. A controversial play saw Sepúlveda, who had been under immense scrutiny throughout the match, penalized for handling the ball inside the area. Following the VAR review, the referee awarded Mazatlán FC a penalty kick.
With the pressure mounting, Nicolás Benedetti confidently stepped up to take the penalty. He made no mistake, placing the ball low and away from goalkeeper Kevin Mier, who dove the wrong way. "GOOOOOOOOOOOOL DE MAZATLÁN. Nicolás Benedetti cruzó su disparo para el 1-0 en el juego," exclaimed the commentator, as Mazatlán’s fans erupted in joy.
The dramatic late equalizer not only salvaged a point for Mazatlán but also frustrated Cruz Azul, who had controlled much of the match. The draw reflected the nature of much of the game, with Cruz Azul dictantly straining to put the game out of reach, only to find themselves with no reward.
Throughout the match, actions continued to intensify with players like Giorgios Giakoumakis and Rodolfo Pizarro contributing dynamically, though neither could find glory. Following the conclusion of the match, Cruz Azul coach Victor Manuel Vucetich remarked on the continued challenges his team faces when playing away at Estadio El Encanto, where they have struggled for years. "Cruz Azul sigue sin quitarse lo complejo de visitar el Estadio El Encanto y hoy dejó ir el triunfo en los minutos finales," he noted, capturing the team's frustrations.
Both teams have now set their eyes on upcoming fixtures, with Mazatlán facing Pachuca next and Cruz Azul hosting Monterrey. After this stalemate, Mazatlán finds itself temporarily at the edge of the playoff position, now with 12 points, climbing to the tenth place. Cruz Azul stands stronger at fifth with 18 points, yet they remain aware of the looming expectations to maintain their pace to reach the top of the league. The match not only showcased moments of tension and excitement but also reflected the unpredictable nature of soccer—a game where the balance can tilt within moments.
Fans at El Encanto left buzzing from the twists and turns of the evening. Mazatlán FC might not snag the full three points, but they managed to hold their ground and frustrate their opponents. The balance has shifted slightly, but the promise of improvement for both teams as they continue on their paths provides hope for fans and followers alike.