Key Teams Advance to Final in Mexican Soccer
The Liguilla of the Clausura 2025 tournament in Mexico’s Liga MX is reaching its climax with the semifinals entering their decisive phase. Cruz Azul and Toluca currently hold a slight advantage in their respective brackets, but nothing is set in stone.
Cruz Azul Takes Lead in the Joven Clásico
Cruz Azul, also known as “La Máquina Celeste,” asserted dominance in the first leg by defeating the reigning champions, America, 1-0. The match, held at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, was marked by balance and tension with few clear scoring opportunities. Uruguayan defender Ignacio Rivero scored the winning goal with a header from a corner kick.
Rivero’s goal came at a cost, as he was sent off following a VAR review for a harsh challenge on Álvaro Fidalgo. America’s coach, André Jardine, was also expelled for protesting. With this result, Cruz Azul extended its unbeaten streak to 19 games, matching its best run since 1997.
America’s 17-game unbeaten streak in final stages came to an end, and they now must win the return match to stay in contention for the double.
Toluca Holds Fort in “El Volcán” and Secures a Draw
In the other semifinal, Toluca managed a valuable 1-1 draw as visitors against Tigres. Nicolás Ibáñez gave Tigres the lead, but Toluca’s Portuguese striker Paulinho equalized before halftime with a powerful header.
Despite the intense heat and pressure at Estadio Universitario, Toluca controlled large portions of the game and nearly secured a victory. Tigres will need to win away if they hope to return to the final.
Schedule and Broadcast Information for Return Matches
The matches determining the finalists of the Clausura 2025 will be played this Saturday and Sunday. Here’s the full schedule:
- Toluca vs. Tigres
- Saturday, May 17
- 7:00 PM (Central Mexico Time)
- Estadio Nemesio Diez
- Broadcast: Canal 5 / TUDN / ViX
- America vs. Cruz Azul
- Sunday, May 18
- 7:15 PM (Central Mexico Time)
- Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes
- Broadcast: TV Azteca / Canal 5 / TUDN / ViX Premium
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the teams playing in the semifinals? Cruz Azul and Toluca.
- What were the results of the first leg matches? Cruz Azul won 1-0 against America, and Toluca drew 1-1 with Tigres.
- When and where will the return matches be played? The return matches will take place on Saturday, May 17 (Toluca vs. Tigres) and Sunday, May 18 (America vs. Cruz Azul). All matches will be held at Estadio Nemesio Diez and Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, respectively.
- What channels will broadcast the return matches? The return matches will be available on Canal 5, TUDN, and ViX (Toluca vs. Tigres) and TV Azteca, Canal 5, TUDN, and ViX Premium (America vs. Cruz Azul).
