Chivas Faces a Do-or-Die Trip to CDMX
So here’s what’s happening right now with Chivas and Cruz Azul in the Apertura 2025 quarterfinals, and honestly, the storyline couldn’t be more tense. After a 0–0 draw in the first leg at the Estadio Akron, Chivas is heading to Mexico City with absolutely no margin for error. They must win on Sunday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario if they want to reach the semifinals. A draw won’t be enough this time, because Cruz Azul finished higher in the regular-season table, and that advantage now works in their favor.
The first leg was played with a lot of anticipation, but what unfolded on the pitch felt much more cautious and frustrating. Chivas couldn’t convert any of their clearest chances, despite having several moments in front of goal. Armando “La Hormiga” González, Bryan González, and Miguel Gómez each had wide-open looks at Andrés Gudiño’s net, but every attempt was either mistimed, mis-hit, or smothered. The pressure from the stands could almost be felt through the screen, especially considering the form Chivas carried into the playoffs—three straight wins and seven victories in their last eight matches.
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But none of that momentum showed on Thursday night. La Hormiga, who arrived as the league’s top scorer with 12 goals, didn’t look as sharp as usual and was eventually subbed off before the 70th minute. And even with familiar attacking names like Chicharito, Piojo Alvarado, Ledezma, Sandoval, and Efraín Álvarez joining the push, the scoreboard never moved.
On the other side, Cruz Azul wasn’t overwhelmingly dominant either, though they produced a few dangerous moments of their own. José Paradela and Gabriel “Toro” Fernández probed the Chivas defense, but the biggest scare came from Jeremy Márquez’s close-range header that Raúl Rangel managed to gather. Still, it was clear that La Máquina was comfortable playing with patience, knowing that the tie now leans in their favor.
A big storyline from the night was Andrés Gudiño, who made his Liguilla debut at nearly 29 years old. After years as a backup, he stepped into the starting role following Kevin Mier’s injury and even wore the captain’s armband. His composure and saves were a huge part of keeping Cruz Azul level on the road.
Now the pressure shifts entirely to the capital. Chivas hasn’t won a road match against Cruz Azul in CDMX since 2022, and they’ve only managed one victory there in the last five years. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul is currently riding a 21-game unbeaten streak at CU across all competitions.
Still, there’s a reason to keep hope alive: Chivas has been strong as a visitor this season, winning four of eight away matches, including a huge win in the Clásico Nacional in Mexico City. They’ll need that same mentality and precision on Sunday—because anything less than a win will send Cruz Azul to their fourth straight semifinal, and leave Chivas waiting yet again for a breakthrough they haven’t reached since 2024.
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