Semifinal Drama: Cruz Azul Wins Despite Red Card
America’s 523-day Liguilla invincibility streak came to an end as they lost 1-0 to Cruz Azul in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 semifinal. Ignacio Rivero scored the only goal with a header from Rodolfo Rotondi’s corner kick at the 59th minute. However, Rivero was sent off seven minutes later for a reckless tackle on Álvaro Fidalgo, leaving Cruz Azul to play the remainder of the match with a man down.
America’s Coach Also Ejected
In a twist of fate, America’s coach André Jardine was also ejected for protesting against the referee, Luis Enrique Santander. Despite America’s substitutions, including Rodrigo ‘Búfalo’ Aguirre, Alejandro Zendejas, Christian Calderón, Javairo Dilrosun, and Diego Valdés, they failed to create significant scoring opportunities against Kevin Mier.
America’s Recent Liguilla History
America’s last Liguilla loss occurred on December 9, 2023, when they fell 0-2 to Atlético de San Luis in the Apertura 2023 semifinal return leg at the Azteca Stadium. However, they had previously won the first leg 5-0. This situation is different as America must now win by any score to advance to the Clausura 2025 final and maintain their dream of becoming Liga MX’s tetracampeón.
Streaks and Records
America had gone 17 matches unbeaten in Liguilla from the Apertura 2023 to Clausura 2025, including becoming the first tricampeón in Liga MX’s short-tournament history. This season, they overcame Pachuca in the quarterfinals with a 0-0 draw away and a 2-0 victory at home.
Cruz Azul entered the match with a 19-match unbeaten streak under Vicente Sánchez’s leadership, both in Liga MX and the Concacaf Champions League, where they secured a finalist spot against Vancouver Whitecaps. This is the second-longest unbeaten run in Cruz Azul’s history, just behind their 20-match streak in 1997.
Team Composition and Venue
Cruz Azul faces two absences in the remaining Liguilla: Gabriel ‘Toro’ Fernández and Andrés Montaño. Despite this, Vicente Sánchez successfully replaced them in the recent match at CU. The Estadio Olímpico Universitario, now America’s home, has proven to be a fortress for Cruz Azul since their move in January, boasting 11 wins (four in Concachampions) and three draws across 14 matches.
Upcoming Match Details
The second leg of the Clausura 2025 Clausura 2025 semifinal, the “Joven Clásico,” will take place on Sunday, May 18, at the Ciudad de los Deportes (19:15 CDMX time). America is obligated to win by any score to advance to the final and keep their tetracampeonato dream alive in Liga MX. America will be without their coach, André Jardine, for this match.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who won the first leg of the Clausura 2025 semifinal? Cruz Azul won 1-0 against America.
- Who scored the only goal in the match? Ignacio Rivero, Cruz Azul’s captain, scored the goal.
- When was America’s last Liguilla loss? America last lost in Liguilla on December 9, 2023, against Atlético de San Luis.
- What is America’s current situation in the Clausura 2025? America must win by any score in the second leg to advance to the final.
- What are Cruz Azul’s recent unbeaten streaks? Cruz Azul has had a 19-match unbeaten streak under Vicente Sánchez’s leadership.
