Guadalajara and Cruz Azul deadlock 0-0 in tense playoff opener at Estadio Akron
- Nov, 29 2025
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- Caspian Hartwell
The Liga MX playoffs delivered another classic chapter Thursday night as Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Club de Fútbol Cruz Azul played out a goalless stalemate in the first leg of their Apertura Quarterfinals Estadio Akron in Guadalajara. The match, which ended 0-0 after 90+4 minutes, leaves the tie wide open heading into the second leg — and sets the stage for what could be one of the most dramatic playoff deciders in recent memory.
Control vs. Chaos: The Tactical Battle
Guadalajara dominated possession — 54% to 46% — but that stat told only half the story. Cruz Azul, the more clinical side, outshot their rivals 16 to 8, with their expected goals (xG) edge of 1.03 to 0.97 revealing how often they threatened without converting. The visitors pressed high, disrupted passing lanes, and forced Guadalajara into uncharacteristic errors. At the other end, Chivas’ attack lacked punch. Despite having Armando González — the team’s top scorer with 12 goals in 17 matches — as their lone striker, they rarely broke through Cruz Azul’s compact backline.
It was Cruz Azul’s midfield trio — anchored by the tireless work of Gonzalo Fernández and Ángel Sepúlveda’s constant movement — that dictated the tempo after halftime. A moment of panic in the 90th minute summed it up: Miguel Gómez headed wide from point-blank range, assisted by Daniel Aguirre’s cross. That was their best chance. And it came in stoppage time.
Lineups and Substitutions: A Game of Chess
Guadalajara lined up in a 3-4-2-1, with veteran keeper Raúl Rangel anchoring a back three that included Luis Romo and Daniel Aguirre — both booked for late fouls. Their attacking duo of Roberto Alvarado and Richard Ledezma, who came on at 78’, tried to spark something, but the chemistry wasn’t there. Ledezma, with five assists this season, looked sharp but isolated.
Cruz Azul, meanwhile, started with a 4-4-2 diamond and switched to a 4-2-3-1 after substitutions. The 67th-minute changes were pivotal: Gonzalo Fernández replaced Ángel Sepúlveda, and M. Bogusz came in for J. Rivero. These weren’t just fresh legs — they were tactical shifts. The visitors tightened defensively and looked to counter. By the 84th minute, when A. Mozo replaced Bryan Gonzalez, Cruz Azul had turned the tide.
History Favors the Blues — But Not by Much
Head-to-head, Cruz Azul owns the record: 15 wins to Guadalajara’s 7, with 10 draws since their last meeting. But recent history is messy. Last March, Cruz Azul won 1-0 in Guadalajara. In August, they won 2-1. But then, on November 4, 2023, Chivas stunned them 1-0 at home. That’s the pattern: no clear dominance, just tension.
What makes this series different? The stakes. Both teams are fighting for a semifinal berth. For Guadalajara, it’s about reclaiming pride after a midseason slump. For Cruz Azul, it’s about proving they’re still a title contender under new management. Neither side can afford to slip up.
The Second Leg: A Pressure Cooker in Mexico City
The return leg on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City, will be a different animal. Cruz Azul will have the home crowd — loud, expectant, and unforgiving. But Guadalajara, playing with nothing to lose, will come with fire.
The away goals rule still applies in Liga MX playoffs — meaning a 1-0 win for Cruz Azul in the second leg would send them through. But if Guadalajara scores first in Mexico City, the pressure flips. That’s the beauty of two-legged ties: momentum can shift in 45 minutes. And both teams know it.
Who Holds the Keys?
Armando González (12 goals, 17 apps) is Guadalajara’s heartbeat. If he finds space early in the second leg, Chivas can win. For Cruz Azul, Ángel Sepúlveda (7 goals) and Gonzalo Fernández (7 goals) are the danger men. And Richard Ledezma — with five assists — could be the X-factor if he’s given room to turn and drive.
The referee’s name remains unconfirmed, but the match saw six yellow cards and several contentious fouls. No reds, but the tension was palpable. That’s the kind of game that lingers.
What’s Next?
With the aggregate tied, the second leg won’t just decide who advances — it’ll shape the narrative of the entire Apertura tournament. A win for Cruz Azul could signal their resurgence as a powerhouse. A win for Guadalajara? That could ignite a playoff run no one saw coming.
One thing’s certain: fans in both cities won’t sleep until Sunday night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Guadalajara dominate possession but lose the attack?
Guadalajara had more of the ball (54%) because Cruz Azul sat deeper and absorbed pressure, inviting them to advance. But Chivas lacked penetration — their final third passing was slow, and Cruz Azul’s compact shape cut off passing lanes. Expected goals favored Cruz Azul (1.03 vs. 0.97) because they created higher-quality chances, including their late header that missed by inches.
How does the away goals rule apply in this series?
Liga MX still uses the away goals rule in two-legged knockout ties. If the aggregate is tied after 180 minutes, the team that scored more goals away from home advances. So if Cruz Azul wins 1-0 in Mexico City, they move on. If Guadalajara wins 1-0 in Mexico City, they advance. A 2-2 draw would send it to extra time.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Guadalajara, Armando González (12 goals) must be the focal point — he’s their only consistent threat. For Cruz Azul, Ángel Sepúlveda and Gonzalo Fernández, each with 7 goals, are lethal on the counter. Richard Ledezma’s creativity (5 assists) could unlock the defense if he’s given space. Substitutes like Érick Gutiérrez and M. Bogusz could also change the game.
What’s the historical advantage between these teams?
Cruz Azul leads the head-to-head with 15 wins to Guadalajara’s 7, with 10 draws since their first meeting. But recent results show volatility: Cruz Azul won 3 of the last 4, but Guadalajara broke the streak with a 1-0 win in November 2023. This isn’t a dynasty matchup — it’s a rivalry fueled by parity and emotion.
Can Guadalajara still win the series despite losing the first leg at home?
Absolutely. In the last five Liga MX quarterfinals, three teams won the first leg away and still advanced. The pressure of playing at home can backfire. Guadalajara’s defense held firm under pressure, and if they can score early in Mexico City — even just once — they’ll force Cruz Azul into risky play. This tie is far from over.
What’s at stake beyond the semifinals?
For Cruz Azul, a semifinal berth could revive their season after a shaky midyear. For Guadalajara, advancing would be a statement — proving they’re not just a fan favorite but a true contender. The winner also gains momentum heading into the Clausura, where squad depth and confidence matter. Both clubs are rebuilding; this series could define their 2025-26 identity.