Chivas and Cruz Azul Stalemate in a High-Pressure Liguilla Opener
What we just watched at the Estadio Akron felt like one of those tense postseason battles where every small detail is magnified, every touch is measured, and every save is treated like a match-winning moment. The first leg of the Apertura 2025 quarterfinals between Chivas and Cruz Azul ended in a 0–0 draw, but the script wasn’t empty at all. In fact, the night was carried almost entirely by the two goalkeepers, Andrés Gudiño for Cruz Azul and Raúl “Tala” Rangel for Chivas, who became the unexpected stars of a cagey, tactical duel.
From the opening whistle, Chivas pushed forward and controlled the flow of the first half. Nearly 60% possession was held by the home side, and they tried to convert that control into early danger. Bryan González had a good look just four minutes in, but his shot drifted off target. Later, at minute 17, Efraín Álvarez tried his luck from a long-range effort that didn’t quite trouble Gudiño, though it spoke to the team’s growing confidence.
Also Read:- Neighbourhoods Celebrate Surprise £1,000 Postcode Lottery Wins
- Chivas and Cruz Azul Stalemate in a Tense Quarterfinal Opener
The clearest chance of the night for Chivas arrived at the 23rd minute. A sharp run down the left wing by Bryan González ended with a precise cross into the box. Armando “Hormiga” González controlled the ball beautifully, cut past his marker, and unleashed a shot that seemed destined for the net. But Gudiño, making his Liguilla debut after stepping in for the injured Kevin Mier, reacted instantly and pushed the ball out for a corner. That single save seemed to steady Cruz Azul and proved why he was one of the heroes of the match.
Chivas kept firing, and Gudiño was again forced into action when he blocked a powerful strike from Richard Ledezma in the 32nd minute. Even though the play was eventually ruled offside, the intervention reminded everyone that Cruz Azul’s backup keeper had arrived fully prepared for the moment.
Now the pressure shifts completely to the second leg on Sunday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Cruz Azul holds the slight advantage thanks to their higher finish in the table—another draw would be enough for them to advance. But with both teams showing resilience and both goalkeepers in top form, this series feels far from decided.
Read More:
0 Comments