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The Liga MX playoffs delivered a tense, goalless stalemate Thursday night as Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Cruz Azul fought to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of their quarterfinal showdown at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Mexico. The match, played at 8:07 p.m. local time on November 27, 2025, ended with neither side able to break through despite late chances — including a missed header by Miguel Gómez in the 91st minute. With the aggregate score tied, the pressure now shifts to Sunday’s second leg at Cruz Azul’s home ground — a scenario that favors the higher-seeded team but leaves Chivas with everything to play for.
High-Stakes Stalemate in Jalisco
What made this 0-0 result so consequential wasn’t just the lack of goals — it was what it meant for each team’s playoff destiny. Cruz Azul, the No. 3 seed, enters the second leg with a psychological edge: all they need is another draw to advance. Chivas, the No. 6 seed, must win outright to reach the semifinals. That’s not just a tactical challenge — it’s a psychological one. Fans in Guadalajara, who packed Estadio Akron to its 49,850-capacity limit, left quietly. No chants. No fireworks. Just the weight of what’s ahead.
The game unfolded with tight marking and few clear chances. Luis Romo and Daniel Aguirre were Chivas’ most dangerous outlets, but Cruz Azul’s backline, anchored by Ángel Sepúlveda, held firm. At the 67th minute, Cruz Azul made a key substitution, bringing on Marcos Bogusz for Jasson Rivero — a move that added physicality and disrupted Chivas’ rhythm. The half-time whistle blew to silence. So did the second.
Lineups and Key Performers
Chivas’ starting XI, as confirmed by ESPN, featured veteran goalkeeper José Antonio Rangel (1), with Alexis Vega (10) operating as the creative hub. But Vega, usually a spark plug, was marked out of the game by Cruz Azul’s midfield trio. On the other side, Cruz Azul’s Roberto Ledezma — who played for Chivas just last season — was everywhere, breaking up plays and distributing calmly under pressure.
The match timeline, tracked by Sofascore, revealed 14 fouls — eight committed by Cruz Azul, six by Chivas. It wasn’t dirty play; it was desperation. Ángel González, Cruz Azul’s right-back, made six clearances in the final 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Chivas’ Carlos Rodríguez Castillo (21) had his best game of the season, intercepting four passes and winning 12 duels.
History Weighs Heavily
This wasn’t just another playoff clash. It was the latest chapter in a rivalry that’s simmered for decades. The two teams met three times during the 2025 regular season: Cruz Azul won 2-1 in August, 1-0 in March, and Chivas edged them 1-0 in September 2024. Each match was physical, each result pivotal. Now, with the stakes higher than ever, the 0-0 draw feels like a missed opportunity for Chivas — and a lifeline for Cruz Azul.
"They had the crowd, the home field, the momentum," said FMF State of Mind in its post-match analysis. "But Cruz Azul didn’t need to win. They needed to survive. And they did. That’s playoff football."
What Comes Next
The second leg arrives Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time at Cruz Azul’s Estadio Azul in Mexico City. Broadcast on Univision and TUDN in the U.S., it’s expected to draw one of the largest audiences of the Apertura playoffs. Chivas will have to attack — aggressively, early, and without fear. But if they do, they risk leaving themselves exposed on the counter. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, will likely sit deep, absorb pressure, and strike on the break.
The winner advances to the semifinals, which run from December 3 to December 7, 2025. The other three quarterfinals — Tigres vs. América, Pumas vs. León, and Monterrey vs. Toluca — are already set. But none carry the emotional weight of this one. Chivas fans haven’t reached a final since 2018. Cruz Azul’s last title came in 2021. Neither can afford to wait another year.
Why This Matters Beyond the Pitch
For Mexican football, this series is more than sport. It’s identity. Chivas represents tradition, regional pride, and the refusal to buy foreign stars — their entire roster is homegrown. Cruz Azul, once a dominant force, has struggled with consistency since 2013 but remains a symbol of Mexico City’s working-class identity. Their clash isn’t just about points — it’s about legacy.
The 0-0 draw may look dull on paper. But in the stands, in the locker rooms, in the headlines, it was electric. The second leg won’t just decide who advances. It’ll determine who believes they still belong at the top.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a 0-0 draw better for Cruz Azul than for Chivas?
Cruz Azul entered as the higher seed (No. 3), meaning they only need a draw in the second leg to advance — even if they lose by one goal. Chivas, as the lower seed (No. 6), must win outright. A 0-0 draw gives Cruz Azul a massive advantage: they can play defensively in Mexico City and still progress. Chivas must go all-out, leaving them vulnerable to counterattacks.
Where will the second leg be played, and how can fans watch it?
The second leg will be played at Estadio Azul in Mexico City on Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 8:00 p.m. local time. In the United States, it will be broadcast live on Univision and TUDN. Fans in Mexico can watch on TV Azteca and Fox Sports México.
Has either team won a Liga MX title recently?
Cruz Azul last won the Liga MX title in 2021, ending a 23-year drought — their first in over two decades. Chivas, meanwhile, hasn’t won a league title since 2006, and their last final appearance was in 2018. Both clubs are desperate to end their title slumps, making this playoff clash emotionally charged beyond just the standings.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Chivas, Alexis Vega needs to find space and deliver crosses — he was largely neutralized in the first leg. José Juan Macías must be more aggressive upfront. For Cruz Azul, Miguel Gómez and Ángel Sepúlveda will be critical in holding the line. Goalkeeper Roberto Ledezma, now with Cruz Azul, knows Chivas’ weaknesses better than anyone.
What’s the historical significance of this matchup?
Chivas and Cruz Azul have faced off over 150 times in league play, with Cruz Azul holding a slight edge in wins. But Chivas fans see every meeting as a battle for Mexico’s soul — Chivas as the people’s team, Cruz Azul as the city’s powerhouse. This playoff clash adds another layer: both clubs are fighting to end long title droughts. The winner won’t just advance — they’ll reclaim relevance.
What’s the schedule for the rest of the playoffs?
The semifinals run from Wednesday, December 3, to Sunday, December 7, 2025. The final is scheduled for December 13–14, 2025. If Chivas advances, they’ll face either Tigres or América. If Cruz Azul moves on, they’ll meet the winner of Pumas vs. León. Every match will be broadcast nationally in Mexico and across Latin America via Fox Sports and TV Azteca.