Two of Mexico’s most storied football clubs fought to a tense 0-0 draw on the first leg of the 2025-26 Liga BBVA MX Apertura QuarterfinalsEstadio Akron in Guadalajara, leaving the tie wide open for the decisive second leg. The match, played on November 26, 2025, was a masterclass in defensive discipline and missed opportunities — no goals, no red cards, but plenty of drama. With the second leg scheduled for November 29 at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Cruz Azul holds a psychological edge: a draw will send them through on away goals. For CD Guadalajara — better known as Chivas — it’s win or go home.
Defensive Masterclass, Few Chances
The first 45 minutes were a chess match disguised as football. Both teams knew the stakes: a single goal could change everything. Cruz Azul, who finished third in the regular season with 32 goals scored, came into the match as the more prolific side. But their attacking trio — led by Ángel Sepúlveda, who netted 7 goals in 16 matches — was shut down by a disciplined Chivas backline anchored by José Castillo and Bryan González. At the 15th minute, Sepúlveda’s sharp shot was blocked by Castillo in a moment that set the tone. Chivas’ best chance came at the 22nd minute when Armando González, their top scorer with 12 goals in 17 appearances, curled a shot just wide after a slick one-two with Roberto Alvarado.
The second half brought more urgency, but not more clarity. Substitutions changed the rhythm: Javier Hernández — the legendary ‘Chicharito’ — entered at the 78th minute for Cruz Azul, but he was isolated. A header from Gabriel Fernández in the 89th minute was saved by Chivas goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, sparking furious protests from the visiting fans. By then, the crowd at Estadio Akron was silent, holding its breath. Foul after foul disrupted flow. Seven yellow cards were dished out. The final whistle blew to near silence.
Statistical Edge, Psychological Edge
Numbers tell a story. Cruz Azul dominated possession (56%) and had 100 shots on goal over the regular season — nearly 35 more than Chivas. But Chivas, sixth in the league, had the better defensive record in clutch moments: four clean sheets to Cruz Azul’s five, and a knack for holding firm under pressure. Their 4-2 win over Monterrey just days before showed they could score when it mattered. But here? Nothing. Not even a tap-in.
What’s more telling is the head-to-head history. Since March 2024, Cruz Azul has won four of the last five meetings — including a 3-0 thrashing at Estadio Azteca last March. That’s not just form; it’s momentum. Chivas’ last win over Cruz Azul? November 4, 2023 — over two years ago. The weight of history is heavy.
Who Holds the Keys?
The away goals rule is the silent referee in this series. Cruz Azul doesn’t need to win in Mexico City — a draw suffices. Chivas must win outright. A 1-1 aggregate would send Cruz Azul through. A 2-2? Same result. Even a 0-0 draw in the second leg would mean Cruz Azul advances on away goals. That’s the math. That’s the pressure.
For Chivas, it’s a chance to rewrite recent history. Their fans still remember the 2023 semifinal heartbreak. They’ve rebuilt since then — bringing in young talents like Richard Ledezma and Efrain Álvarez — but they’ve yet to make a deep playoff run under coach José Guadalupe Cruz. For Cruz Azul, it’s about reclaiming their identity. Once a powerhouse, they’ve been inconsistent this season. A semifinal berth would validate their third-place finish and quiet critics who say they lack mental toughness.
What Happens Next?
The second leg on November 29 at Estadio Azteca will be a cauldron of noise. Over 50,000 fans are expected — half in red and white, half in blue. The weather forecast? Clear skies, 18°C. Perfect football weather. The kickoff is set for 13:00 local time. If the tie remains 0-0 after 90 minutes, extra time follows. And if it’s still level? Penalties. No mercy. No second chances.
Chivas’ captain, Armando González, said after the match: “We didn’t score, but we didn’t lose. We’re still alive.” Cruz Azul’s midfielder Omar Govea was more blunt: “We know what we need. We’ll go there and play our game.”
One thing’s certain: this isn’t over. Not even close.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Cruz Azul advance with just a draw in the second leg?
Because of the away goals rule: if the aggregate score is tied after both legs, the team that scored more goals away from home advances. Since the first leg ended 0-0 in Guadalajara, Cruz Azul scored zero away goals — but Chivas also scored zero at Estadio Azteca in the first leg. So if the second leg ends 1-1 or 0-0, Cruz Azul still advances because they scored the same number of away goals as Chivas (zero), and the tiebreaker moves to extra time and penalties. But if Chivas wins 1-0, they advance. If Cruz Azul wins 1-0, they advance. A 2-2 draw? Cruz Azul wins on away goals.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Chivas, Armando González remains the main threat — 12 goals this season, and he’s shown he can deliver in big games. Also watch Richard Ledezma, whose pace on the wing could exploit Cruz Azul’s aging fullbacks. For Cruz Azul, Javier Hernández (Chicharito) is the wildcard. At 37, he’s not the same player, but his positioning and experience in high-stakes matches are invaluable. Ángel Sepúlveda, with 7 goals, needs to break his scoring drought. If he scores, Cruz Azul likely advances.
How does this match compare to past Chivas-Cruz Azul clashes?
This was the third 0-0 draw between the two sides since 2020. Historically, these games are physical and emotionally charged. The 2024 meeting at Estadio Azteca ended 3-0 to Cruz Azul — their biggest win over Chivas in over a decade. But Chivas won the 2023 quarterfinal 1-0 on aggregate. This year’s matchup feels more evenly matched. Both teams are deeper, more tactical. The lack of goals doesn’t mean less intensity — it means both sides are afraid to lose.
What’s at stake beyond the semifinals?
For Chivas, reaching the semifinals could spark a revival. They haven’t reached the final since 2018, and their fanbase is desperate for relevance. For Cruz Azul, a deep run could signal a return to their 2021 glory days. Both teams are vying for a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. A semifinal berth guarantees at least $2 million in prize money and international exposure. For players like Armando González and Ángel Sepúlveda, it’s also a chance to catch the eye of scouts from Europe and MLS.
Could weather or crowd pressure affect the second leg?
Absolutely. Estadio Azteca sits at 2,240 meters above sea level. The thin air can fatigue players unfamiliar with it — especially those coming from lower elevations like Guadalajara. Chivas players have played there before, but Cruz Azul, being a Mexico City club, has a home advantage. The crowd noise is legendary — over 100 decibels during big matches. A single goal could trigger a wave of sound that rattles even seasoned pros. That’s not just atmosphere — it’s a tactical weapon.
What happens if the second leg ends in a 1-1 draw?
If the second leg ends 1-1, the aggregate is 1-1. Since both teams scored one goal away from home (Chivas would score in Mexico City, Cruz Azul scored none in Guadalajara), the away goals rule would favor Chivas — but wait. Cruz Azul didn’t score away in the first leg, so if Chivas scores one in the second leg and Cruz Azul scores one, then Chivas has one away goal and Cruz Azul has zero. That means Chivas advances. If Cruz Azul wins 1-0 in Mexico City, they advance on away goals (because Chivas scored zero away goals in the first leg). Confusing? It’s designed to punish teams that can’t score on the road.