On Thursday, November 27, 2025, Chivas de Guadalajara and Cruz Azul played out a tense, goalless draw in the first leg of the Apertura 2025 quarterfinalsEstadio Akron in Zapopan, Jalisco. The 0-0 stalemate, played before 49,850 fans under stadium lights, leaves the series wide open — and the pressure now shifts to Mexico City. For Gabriel Milito, Chivas’ Argentine coach, it was a moral victory. For Nicolás Larcamón and Cruz Azul, it was a missed opportunity. Neither team scored. But the story wasn’t in the scoreboard — it was in the saves, the near-misses, and the quiet tension that hangs over the return leg.
Home Advantage, But No Goals
Chivas came into this match riding high — eight wins in their last nine regular-season games, a rare run of form that had fans dreaming of a long playoff push. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, were the favorites. They finished second in the table, their midfield humming, their attack lethal. But something was missing: Kevin Mier, their Colombian goalkeeper, ruled out for the rest of the tournament after a knee injury. In his place stepped Andrés Gudiño, a capable backup, but not the same commanding presence. That absence, subtle but real, gave Chivas a psychological edge they didn’t waste.
The first half belonged to Cruz Azul. They controlled possession, pressed high, and kept Chivas pinned in their own half. But their finishing? Poor. Gabriel 'Toro' Fernández missed a clear chance in the 37th minute, slicing a volley wide after a perfect cross. Jose Paradela tried a backheel flick from six yards — it barely grazed the post. Meanwhile, Raúl 'Tala' Rangel, Chivas’ 34-year-old captain and goalkeeper, was a revelation. He dove to his left to deny Mateusz Bogusz in the 22nd minute. Then, in the 29th, he palmed away a curling free kick from Charly Rodríguez. He didn’t just stop shots — he smothered momentum.
Second Half: Chivas Awakens
At halftime, the narrative was clear: Cruz Azul were better, but Chivas were hanging on. Then, something changed.
The second half belonged to Chivas. They came out with purpose. Luis Rivero, returning from suspension after missing the Clásico Tapatío, pushed forward with energy. Efrain Álvarez danced past two defenders in the 55th minute, only to fire straight at Gudiño. Then came the moment: 90'+1'. Miguel Gómez rose at the back post, met a low cross from Daniel Aguirre, and headed — just wide. The stadium gasped. The clock ticked. The silence was deafening.
It wasn’t just the missed chances. It was the atmosphere. Fans held their breath. Players clenched their jaws. Even the referees, unnamed in the reports, seemed to sense the stakes. Two yellow cards each — one for Chivas’ Jesús Antonio González, one for Cruz Azul’s Jorge Sánchez — added spice, but no goals.
Coaches Speak: Confidence and Frustration
Post-match, Raúl 'Tala' Rangel didn’t gloat. He spoke with the quiet authority of a man who knows what he just did. “We knew it would be difficult,” he said. “But we kept our concentration. A clean sheet at home? That gives us confidence.”
For Nicolás Larcamón, it was frustration wrapped in pragmatism. “We controlled the game for long stretches,” he admitted. “But we need to be more clinical. The tie is still very much in our hands.”
It’s a telling quote. Larcamón didn’t blame his team for lack of effort. He blamed their finishing. And that’s the difference between a good team and a great one.
The Return Leg: A Night of Destiny
The second leg arrives Sunday, December 1, 2025, at 7:00 PM local time at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. The stadium, built for the 1968 Olympics and still a cathedral of Mexican football, will be packed. The weather? Cool, dry, perfect for soccer. The stakes? Everything.
Chivas will play with freedom. They’ve already achieved something by holding Cruz Azul to zero at home. They’ve silenced the doubters who said they couldn’t compete without their star striker. Now, they’re one goal away from the semifinals.
Cruz Azul, meanwhile, will be under pressure. They’re expected to win. They’re expected to score. And if they don’t? The narrative flips. The favorites become the underdogs. The machine, unpolished.
What This Means for Liga BBVA MX
This isn’t just about two teams. It’s about the soul of Mexican football.
Chivas, the club with the most loyal fanbase in the country, hasn’t won a league title since 2006. Their last semifinal appearance? 2020. This run, fueled by grit, not glory, is a return to their identity. They’re not the flashiest team. But they’re stubborn. And in knockout football, that’s enough.
Cruz Azul? They’re chasing redemption. After years of near-misses and managerial chaos, they’ve assembled a squad with real talent. But talent doesn’t win titles — composure does. And on Thursday, they lost theirs in front of goal.
The winner of this tie will face either Tigres UANL or Club América in the semifinals. Either way, the path to the final just got harder. And more beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Kevin Mier’s absence so critical for Cruz Azul?
Kevin Mier wasn’t just a goalkeeper — he was the anchor of Cruz Azul’s high-line defense, often acting as a sweeper-keeper to disrupt counterattacks. His ability to read the game and command the box gave his defense confidence. Andrés Gudiño, while competent, lacks that same authority. Chivas exploited that hesitation, especially in transition, making Mier’s absence the quietest factor in the draw.
How does this result affect Chivas’ chances of winning the Apertura 2025?
Chivas’ path is now clearer. They’ve already beaten Cruz Azul’s best chance to win at home. If they score once in Mexico City — even a fluke — they advance. Their defense has been rock-solid in the last month, and their midfield, led by Álvarez and Cervantes, is finding rhythm. A semifinal berth is within reach — something they haven’t achieved since 2020.
What’s the historical significance of this matchup?
Chivas and Cruz Azul have met 21 times in playoff history, with Cruz Azul holding a slight edge (10 wins to Chivas’ 8, with 3 draws). But since 2015, Chivas have been the tougher opponent in knockout games, especially at home. This 0-0 draw continues that trend. The winner of this tie has gone on to win the title in 7 of the last 10 instances.
Could weather or crowd impact the second leg?
Absolutely. The Estadio Olímpico Universitario sits at 2,240 meters above sea level, making it harder for opposing teams to breathe. Chivas fans will be outnumbered, but the noise will be deafening. Cruz Azul’s players, many of whom are from lower altitudes, may feel the physical toll. A late goal in the 89th minute? That’s not luck — it’s altitude.
What’s the next step if Chivas advances?
If Chivas win the second leg, they’ll face either Tigres UANL or Club América in the semifinals. Tigres, currently leading the league, are the favorites. But Chivas have beaten them twice this season. If they can keep their defensive discipline and get one goal from Álvarez or Alvarado, they could be in the final — their first since 2006. The dream is alive.
