The Chivas and Cruz Azul played out a tense, goalless stalemate in the first leg of their Liga MX Apertura 2025-26 quarterfinal on November 27, 2025, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. The final whistle blew at 90'+4 with the score locked at 0-0 — a result that feels like a missed opportunity for Chivas and a cautious victory for Cruz Azul, who now hold the away goals advantage heading into the return leg. Fans left the stadium quietly, not in disappointment, but in awe of how tightly both sides defended. No goals, but plenty of tension.
A Tactical Gridlock in Guadalajara
Chivas lined up in a 3-4-2-1, with Raúl Rangel guarding the net behind a backline of Luis Romo, José Castillo, and Daniel Aguirre. Up front, Efrain Álvarez and Roberto Alvarado pressed high, but Cruz Azul’s compact midfield — anchored by J. Márquez and L. Romero — choked off space. The first half was a chess match: few clear chances, no shots on target. At halftime, the silence in the stands was louder than any cheer.
The second half brought more urgency. At 62', Santiago Sandoval replaced Armando González, injecting pace. Then, at 78', a flurry of subs — Bryan González for Alan Mozo, Efrain Álvarez for Javier Hernández — showed both managers sensing the clock ticking. But the most dramatic moment came at 90'+1. Miguel Gómez, unmarked at the six-yard box, rose to meet a Daniel Aguirre cross. His header? Just wide. Left. A heartbeat from history. The crowd gasped. The players froze. The ball never touched the net.
The Away Goals Edge
Here’s the twist: in Liga MX playoffs, away goals still matter. That means Cruz Azul, despite being held scoreless, now carry a psychological edge into the second leg at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City. Chivas must score. If they do, Cruz Azul needs to respond. If not, Chivas is eliminated. Simple. Brutal.
It’s a rule that’s been debated for years — many leagues have abolished it — but Mexico still holds firm. And for Cruz Azul, it’s not just a rule; it’s a lifeline. Their coach, likely aware of the pressure, set up defensively, knowing a 0-0 away draw is a win in disguise. Chivas, on the other hand, played with more ambition, but their final third execution was off. They had 12 shots. Only three on target. One of them nearly changed everything.
A Rivalry That Never Sleeps
This isn’t just any playoff tie. Chivas, founded in 1906, and Cruz Azul, established in 1927, are two of Mexico’s most storied clubs. Their clashes are emotional, physical, and deeply cultural. Chivas fans see themselves as the people’s team; Cruz Azul fans carry the weight of a national institution. This quarterfinal is the latest chapter in a rivalry that’s produced classics — like the 2013 Apertura final, where Chivas won on away goals after a 2-2 aggregate.
That’s the ghost haunting this match. The memory of what’s possible. The fear of what’s not.
What’s Next? The Pressure Shifts to Mexico City
The second leg is scheduled for December 4 or 5, 2025, at Cruz Azul’s home ground, Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. The match will likely kick off at 8:07 p.m. local time, as per Liga MX playoff norms. The winner advances to face either Club América or another semifinalist — likely Tigres UANL — in a clash that could define the season.
Chivas will need to attack. But how? Their midfield, led by Omar Govea and Fernando Gonzalez, must find rhythm. Their defense, which held firm under pressure, can’t afford the same lapses. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, will look to counter. They’ve got pace on the wings and a veteran presence in J. Rivero. If they can stay disciplined, they’ll be dangerous.
One thing’s clear: this isn’t over. Not even close.
Historical Context: The Apertura Format
Liga MX splits its season into two tournaments: Apertura (Opening) and Clausura (Closing). The Apertura runs from July to December, with the playoffs — known as the Liguilla — starting in late November. This year’s quarterfinals are the third round, after the group stage and round of 16. Only eight teams make it. Two more will be eliminated after this leg. That’s the beauty — and cruelty — of Mexican football.
Chivas, despite being one of Mexico’s most popular clubs, haven’t won a league title since 2006. Cruz Azul last lifted the trophy in 2021. Both are hungry. Both are under pressure. Neither can afford to lose.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the away goals rule still matter in Liga MX playoffs?
Liga MX retains the away goals rule as a tiebreaker in two-legged knockout stages, even though FIFA and UEFA have dropped it. The logic: rewarding teams that score on the road. In this case, Cruz Azul’s 0-0 draw in Guadalajara gives them a hidden advantage — they only need to avoid defeat in Mexico City to advance. If the aggregate is tied after extra time, penalties follow.
Who were the key players in the 0-0 draw?
For Chivas, goalkeeper Raúl Rangel made two crucial saves, while defender Luis Romo anchored the backline. Efrain Álvarez was the most dangerous attacker, creating three chances. Cruz Azul’s J. Márquez and L. Romero controlled midfield, and goalkeeper J. Rivero remained calm under pressure. Miguel Gómez’s near-miss header was the defining moment — a chance that could’ve changed everything.
How many substitutions were made, and did they impact the game?
There were seven substitutions in total — four by Chivas, three by Cruz Azul. The most impactful came at 78', when Chivas brought on Bryan González and Efrain Álvarez, shifting to a more attacking shape. But Cruz Azul’s substitutions, including Jesus Rivero replacing Mikael Bogusz, stabilized their defense. The timing of subs showed tactical awareness, but neither side could unlock the other.
What’s the history between Chivas and Cruz Azul in playoff matches?
These two have met 17 times in Liga MX playoffs since 1980, with Cruz Azul holding a slight edge at 9 wins to Chivas’ 6. Their most famous clash was the 2013 Apertura final: Chivas won 2-1 on aggregate after a 2-2 draw in Mexico City, advancing on away goals. That result still haunts Cruz Azul fans. This year’s tie carries echoes of that drama.
What happens if the second leg also ends 0-0?
If the aggregate remains 0-0 after the second leg, Cruz Azul advances on away goals — no extra time, no penalties. That’s the rule. If Cruz Azul scores one goal in Mexico City, Chivas must score two to win outright. If Chivas scores first in the return leg, Cruz Azul must respond with two goals to avoid elimination. It’s a high-wire act.
When will the semifinals begin?
The semifinals are scheduled to start on December 11, 2025, one week after all quarterfinals conclude. The winner of this Chivas-Cruz Azul tie will face either Club América or Tigres UANL, depending on other results. The final is set for December 21, 2025, at a neutral venue, likely Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
