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Cruz Azul vs. Club América: A Concacaf Champions Cup Thriller
The Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals witnessed a fiery clash between Mexico's giants, Cruz Azul and Club América. This wasn't just a match; it was a continuation of a decades-long rivalry, culminating in a closely fought battle for a semi-final spot. América, despite missing key players like captain Henry Martín, were predicted to edge out their rivals, continuing their recent dominance.
A Rivalry For The Ages
América’s recent victories over Cruz Azul in the Liga MX Clausura 2024 final and Apertura 2024 semifinals fueled Cruz Azul’s hunger for revenge. Both teams boast multiple Concacaf Champions Cup titles, adding significant weight to this knockout tie. The intensity of their encounters has consistently delivered some of the most memorable matches in modern Mexican football.
A Tense Two-Legged Affair
The first leg, played at América's stadium, ended in a goalless draw. The second leg, held at Cruz Azul's temporary home, the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, was electric. Both teams prioritized this crucial tie, fielding mostly reserve teams in their respective Liga MX matches to focus all their energy on this clash.
Team News and Match Analysis
Cruz Azul, under interim manager Vicente Sánchez, entered the match on a 10-game unbeaten run. The return of key player Rodolfo Rotondi was a significant boost. However, Rotondi needed to overcome previous mistakes against América. Club América, led by André Jardine, topped the Clausura 2025 table in Liga MX, known for their impressive knockout stage record. While Martín's absence was a blow, their deep squad provided sufficient cover. The match was predicted to be incredibly close, with América's greater squad depth potentially proving decisive. Ultimately, a late counter-attacking goal sealed the victory for América, sending them to the semifinals.
Where to Watch and Final Score
The match was broadcast on various platforms including Tubi in Mexico and FuboTV/FOX Sports 2 in the US. In a dramatic turnaround, Cruz Azul triumphed 2-1, with Angel Sepúlveda scoring a brace, including a late winner, eliminating Club América in the quarterfinals for the first time in 12 years and securing a semi-final berth against Tigres.
Conclusion
The Cruz Azul vs. Club América matchup is a cultural phenomenon in Mexico. This Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinal clash lived up to the hype, providing a captivating spectacle for fans. Regardless of team allegiance, this intense rivalry continues to deliver some of the most exciting football in Mexico. The unexpected victory for Cruz Azul showcased the unpredictability and high stakes of this classic rivalry.
