James Rodríguez Returns to Help León Overturn Cruz Azul Deficit
After missing the first leg due to suspension, Colombian star James Rodríguez will make his comeback this weekend in Mexican football to help León recover from their 3-2 loss against Cruz Azul at the start of the Clausura 2025 quarter-finals in Liga MX.
Suspended for being sent off in the last regular-season match, Rodríguez watched León’s defeat from a stadium balcony against Cruz Azul on Thursday.
The loss forces León to win by at least two goals in their visit to the Olímpico Universitario on Sunday to advance to the semifinals.
A draw would give Cruz Azul the advantage, as they finished third in the regular season while León was sixth.
Berizzo Announces Full Strength
León will need more than ever to rely on the James of his early Mexican games, who was among the best playmakers in the league with six goal-scoring passes and two goals.
Argentine coach Eduardo Berizzo warned that his team will play very offensively, leveraging the Colombian star’s talent.
“James’ return will allow us to push forward; we’ll aim for more attackers or a formation that offers passing options for his talent and finds more depth,” Berizzo predicted.
Although Berizzo says his team will go all out, defeating Cruz Azul won’t be easy, as the Rayados lost only twice in the regular season – neither at home nor by more than a one-goal margin.
Moreover, only one of those losses occurred under Uruguayan coach Vicente Sánchez.
Monterrey Faces Altitude Disadvantage
On Saturday at the Nemesio Diez stadium, Toluca will also need a narrow victory after their 3-2 loss to Monterrey on Wednesday.
Argentine coach Antonio Mohamed, of the Diablos Rojos, acknowledged that his team played their “worst match” of the tournament on Wednesday at BBVA stadium.
Mohamed admitted his team lacked rhythm and precision in the first half of the series: “We’re used to making 400 passes per game, but on Wednesday we only made 150-200.”
The Diablos Rojos will have a home advantage in Toluca’s altitude of over 2,600 meters, where Monterrey has only won three times in the last 50 years.
Pachuca and Necaxa Face Uphill Battles
In their first-leg matches, America and Tigres drew 0-0 in their visits to Pachuca and Necaxa, respectively.
If they maintain the draw, both teams will advance to the semifinals as they finished higher in the regular season.
On Wednesday at Hidalgo stadium, Pachuca withstood America’s offensive pressure, the three-time defending Mexican champions.
“America is a tough team to contain,” said Pachuca coach Guillermo Almada, “but I’m confident in maintaining a solid defense and improving our attack, especially the overall play volume, heading into Saturday’s match at the Deportes City stadium.”
Meanwhile, after a goalless draw on Thursday at Victoria stadium, Necaxa will aim to confirm their strong performance in the competition on Saturday at the Universitario.
They need to win in one of Aztec football’s toughest venues against Tigres, who boast a superior squad.
“It’s great to be playing at the ‘Volcán’,” stated Argentine coach Nicolás Larcamón of Necaxa. “We know Tigres’ experience and skill; they know how to play, especially at home where they are strong.”
Quarter-Finals: Where and When to Watch the Return Matches
Toluca vs Monterrey
- Toluca vs Monterrey
Nemesio Diez | 19:00 hours | Saturday, May 10, 2025
WHERE TO WATCH: Channel 5, TUDN, and VIX
America vs Pachuca
- America vs Pachuca
Ciudad de los Deportes | 21:10 hours | Saturday, May 10, 2025
WHERE TO WATCH: Channel 5, TUDN, and VIX
Cruz Azul vs León
- Cruz Azul vs León
Olímpico Universitario | 19:00 hours | Sunday, May 11, 2025
WHERE TO WATCH: Channel 5, TUDN, and VIX
Tigres vs Necaxa
- Tigres vs Necaxa
Estadio Universitario | 21:10 hours | Sunday, May 11, 2025
WHERE TO WATCH: Channel 7, Azteca Deportes, TUBI, ESPN
