Highlights Cruz Azul 1-0 America in Liga MX

Cruz Azul vs. Club América: Semifinal Showdown in Liga MX Clausura 2025

Cruz Azul defeated defending champions Club América 1-0 in the first leg of their semifinal match at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City on Thursday, May 15, 2025, marking a major step toward the Liga MX Clausura 2025 final. Ignacio Rivero scored a game-winning goal, and despite being reduced to ten men, the defense put up a strong fight.

Match Summary

In intense action and strategic games, Cruz Azul's settlement was given justice during the "Clásico Joven," a matchup with Club America. Cruz Azul got off to a strong start, setting up early opportunities, particularly for 6 minutes when Mateusz Bogusz took shots. In the second half, America retaliated when Alvaro Fidalgo's cross struck the post in the 48 minute.

Cruz Azur took the lead when Ignacio Libero scored halfway through a corner kick by Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi in the 59th minute. But when Riveros Nacht was sent off for a foul at Fidalgo in the 65th minute, he scored a curve.

Cruz Azur remained silent and defensively solid despite the numerical disadvantage, keeping America from taking advantage of the situation. The triumph will give rise to the intriguing second

Starting Lineups

Cruz Azul (4-2-3-1):

Goalkeeper: Mier

Defenders: Sánchez, Lira, Ditta, Rivero

Midfielders: Piovi, Faravelli; Romero, Rodríguez, Bogusz

Forward: Sepúlveda

Club América (4-3-3):

Goalkeeper: Malagón

Defenders: Reyes, Cáceres, Juárez, Borja

Midfielders: Sánchez, Fidalgo, Valdés

Forwards: Álvarez, Rodríguez, Zendejas

Tactical Analysis

Vicente Sánchez, Cruz Azul's interim manager, prioritized defensive organization and fast transitions. The attacking trio successfully supported Sepúlveda, while Piovi and Faravelli in the midfield offered stability. The team demonstrated resiliency after Rivero was fired, keeping their focus and organization to hold onto the lead.

Cruz Azul's defense was difficult for André Jardine's Club América to overcome. They made offensive substitutions, such as Dilrosun and Cervantes, but were unable to generate clear-cut opportunities. The absence of key players like Henry Martín and Igor Lichnovsky due to injuries may have impacted their attacking potency.

Key Moments:

6th Minute: Cruz Azul's early intent is indicated when Bogusz's shot just misses.

48th Minute: América's best chance, a cross from Fidalgo, goes against the post. Rivero scores the game-winning goal from a corner in the.

59th minute. Cruz Azul's resolve is put to the test in the.

65th minute when Rivero is given a red card.

final whistle: Cruz Azul perseveres for a vital 1-0 victory.

Cruz Azul vs Club América predicted starting XI

Cruz Azul (3-5-1-1): Kevin Mier; Willer Ditta, Erik Lira, Jesús Orozco; Jorge Sánchez, José Rivero, Carlos Rodríguez, Lorenzo Faravelli, Carlos Rotondi; Andres Montaño; Ángel Sepúlveda

Club América (4-4-2): Luis Malagón; Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, Ramón Juárez, Cristian Borja; Kevin Álvarez, Erick Sánchez, Álvaro Fidalgo, Alejandro Zendejas; Víctor Dávila; Rodrigo Aguirre

Head-to-head record

Historically, Club América holds the edge in the head-to-head record against Cruz Azul, with 25 wins to Cruz Azul’s 14 and 19 draws across their 58 meetings. Their last meeting was last month, where the match ended in a 0-0 draw.

Cruz Azul: 14

Club América: 24

Draw: 19

Historical Context

One of Mexico's most famous rivalries is the Clásico Joven. Club America has dominated in recent years, winning the finals of the Klausura 2024 and Apertura 2024 semifinals. Cruz Azul's latest performance, including a 17-game profit series, points out that it will change the dynamic.

Looking Ahead

The second leg promises an exciting encounter. Cruz Azul intends to use her home advantage and defensive strength to secure a spot in the finals. The championship family tree will lift the club's America from the deficit and try to keep searching for a historic fourth title in a row.

Broadcast Information

India: FanCode

USA: TUDN, FS1, Telemundo, ViX, Fubo

Mexico: Tubi

Highlights-