Cruz Azul’s Clear Objective for the 2024-25 Season
Cruz Azul has a clear goal for the conclusion of the 2024-25 season: becoming champions of both Liga MX and the Concacaf Champions League. This pursuit of a domestic double enters a crucial phase this week as they face Tigres in the Concacaf semifinal’s first leg.
Key Players and Their Perspectives
Midfielder Érik Lira expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming challenge: “We enjoy every day, and it’s beautiful to be part of such a group. Of course, it’s even more enjoyable to keep competing and winning in two tournaments. We aim for the double, and tomorrow is our first battle to go out and fight for it.”
Historical Context of Cruz Azul and Tigres
Cruz Azul and Tigres have never faced each other in the Concacaf Champions League before. This edition marks their first encounter, following their elimination of America and Los Angeles Galaxy, respectively, in the quarterfinals.
Both teams have been consistent throughout the season, as reflected in their local competition performance. They secured spots among the top six teams in the league table to gain direct entry into the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals.
Cruz Azul’s Recent Performance and Tactics
Under the guidance of Vicente Sánchez, who took over in January following Martín Anselmi’s sudden departure to Porto, Cruz Azul has played 21 matches in Liga MX and Concacaf, winning 13, drawing seven, and losing just once—a 1-0 defeat to Tigres in Clausura 2025’s Jornada 7.
“This is a different tournament, and as a semifinal of an international tournament, it’s entirely different. It’s a series of 180 minutes, and I believe both legs will be exciting encounters,” Sánchez explained.
Cruz Azul’s Favorable Position
Cruz Azul enters this semifinal series as slight favorites against Tigres for two reasons: they will host the return leg in Mexico City’s Estadio Olímpico Universitario and were the best team in Mexico during the 2024-25 season with 75 points, while Tigres finished third with 67 (Toluca secured second place with 72).
Tigres’ Recent Success
Tigres, under the direction of Guido Pizarro, who also had no prior first-division coaching experience like Sánchez, has been performing well. Pizarro has led Tigres in 11 matches between Liga MX and Concacaf, achieving six victories, four draws, and only one loss—a 3-0 defeat to America in Liga MX Jornada 13.
“I hold the utmost respect and admiration for Guido’s illustrious playing career. Now, as he begins his coaching journey, it’s a beautiful path to undertake,” Sánchez praised his upcoming opponent on the bench.
Cruz Azul’s Historic Quest for a Domestic Double
Cruz Azul last achieved Liga MX and Concacaf titles in the same semester 55 years ago, in 1970. They won the national tournament in October and the international one in December, though neither featured a final. In 1997, Cruz Azul repeated this feat, winning both titles but with the Concacaf Champions League triumph in August and Liga MX in December. After 28 years, history offers them another chance, but they must first overcome Tigres in the Concacaf semifinals.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Cruz Azul’s main rival in the Concacaf semifinals? Tigres
- What is Cruz Azul’s recent record under Vicente Sánchez? Cruz Azul has played 21 matches under Vicente Sánchez, winning 13, drawing seven, and losing once to Tigres.
- Why is this Concacaf semifinal significant for Cruz Azul? A victory would bring Cruz Azul closer to their goal of winning both the Liga MX and Concacaf Champions League titles in the same season, a feat they last accomplished 55 years ago.
