Overview of the Apertura 2025 Standings
After five rounds, only two out of the eighteen teams in Liga MX have yet to taste defeat: Cruz Azul and America. Both have secured their place in the top five of the overall table, though Cruz Azul sits just one point behind the current leaders, Pachuca.
Cruz Azul’s Victory Over Santos
Cruz Azul emerged victorious this weekend, defeating Santos 3-2 at their home ground, CU. The match featured a stunning chilena goal by Carlos ‘Charly’ Rodríguez at the 16th minute, followed by another goal from captain Ignacio Rivero at the 34th minute, and a final goal from Gabriel ‘Toro’ Fernández at the 82nd minute.
Santos managed to respond twice, with Bruno Barticciotto scoring at the 32nd minute and Cristian Dájome finding the back of the net at the 47th minute. However, their efforts were in vain after Ramiro Sordo’s expulsion at the 40th minute, leaving them unable to secure even a draw.
With this win, Cruz Azul extended their unbeaten streak to three victories and two draws in the Apertura 2025 tournament. This is their first tournament under the guidance of Argentine coach Nicolás Larcamón.
“We’re still in the early stages of preparation,” Larcamón acknowledged post-match. “I’m clear that the team deserved a much more favorable outcome tonight. They managed to complicate our game with very little, and that’s why I didn’t agree with the negative sentiment. On the contrary, I’m very grateful and confident that we’re building something with a strong foundation,” he added.
Cruz Azul has triumphed over Santos, Atlético de San Luis, and León in the Apertura 2025. They’ve also drawn with Mazatlán and Atlas. However, their recent Leagues Cup experience has been tumultuous, with victories in penalty shootouts against Galaxy and Colorado Rapids but a shocking 0-7 loss to Seattle Sounders.
Larcamón aims to erase this negative image in Liga MX while dealing with interest from Inter Miami to sign one of Cruz Azul’s star defenders, Argentine Gonzalo Piovi. “I’m aware of Miami’s strong interest, and with their capabilities to generate player interest, I don’t need to elaborate on the potential negative impact for us,” Larcamón explained. “Piovi’s versatility makes him a valuable asset in attacking situations. His departure would be a significant loss, but we trust our other players.”
Cruz Azul’s upcoming Apertura 2025 matches include hosting Toluca and visiting Chivas and Pachuca.
America’s Comeback Win in Monterrey
The other unbeaten team, America, secured a satisfying victory against Tigres with a 1-3 score at the Universitario stadium in Nuevo León.
Juan Brunetta opened the scoring for the home team just five minutes in, but America responded both mentally and tactically with a brace from Érick Sánchez in the 41st and 58th minutes, along with an accidental own goal by Nahuel Guzmán at the 69th minute that sealed the win.
America has now won 12 out of their last 15 matches against Tigres. This recent victory was surprising, as Tigres entered the match with an unblemished record after defeating Juárez, Toluca, and Puebla.
America’s coach, Brazilian André Jardine, expressed his joy after finally breaking their winless streak against Tigres at ‘El Volcán’. “My respect for Tigres is unwavering,” Jardine stated regarding his post-goal gesture towards the Tigres fans. “I’ve visited this stadium several times but never witnessed América’s supporters. It was heartwarming to see our fans in the stands, and I wanted to express my gratitude for their backing.”
America will not participate in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals midweek. Their upcoming Liga MX opponents are Atlas, Pachuca, Chivas, and Monterrey.
Other Results from Jornada 5
Bravos de Juárez defeated Chivas 2-1 at the Akron stadium, while reigning champions Toluca drew 1-1 with Pumas at Nemesio Diez.
Monterrey will conclude the weekend by hosting Mazatlán. If Monterrey wins by more than four goals, they will surpass Pachuca at the top of the table. A narrower victory would place them in second place.
Top 5 After Five Jornadas in Apertura 2025
- 1. Pachuca – 12 points, +6 goal difference
- 2. Cruz Azul – 11 points, +5 goal difference
- 3. America – 11 points, +5 goal difference
- 4. Toluca – 10 points, +5 goal difference
- 5. Tigres – 9 points, +7 goal difference
*Monterrey could displace Tigres from the top five if they draw or defeat Mazatlán in the final match of Jornada 5.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are the only unbeaten teams in Apertura 2025? Cruz Azul and America remain undefeated after five rounds.
- What is the current table standing? Pachuca leads with 12 points and a +6 goal difference, followed by Cruz Azul and America (both with 11 points and +5 goal differences), Toluca (10 points, +5 goal difference), and Tigres (9 points, +7 goal difference).
- What are Cruz Azul’s upcoming matches? Cruz Azul will host Toluca and visit Chivas and Pachuca in the Apertura 2025.
- What happened in America’s match against Tigres? America won 3-1, with goals from Érick Sánchez (two) and an own goal by Nahuel Guzmán. Juan Brunetta had scored early for Tigres, but America’s superior performance secured the victory.
- What is Monterrey’s situation regarding the table leadership? Monterrey can surpass or tie with Pachuca at the top of the table if they win against Mazatlán by more than four goals. A narrower victory would place them second.
