It wasn’t pretty, but it was telling. CD Guadalajara and Cruz Azul played out a goalless stalemate in the first leg of their Liga MX Apertura Playoffs quarterfinalEstadio Akron on November 27, 2025 — a match that felt less like a contest and more like a high-stakes chess game where neither side dared to overextend. The 0-0 draw, played before a roaring but frustrated crowd in Guadalajara, leaves Cruz Azul with a subtle but critical edge: the away goal rule. That’s right — despite playing in front of their own fans, CD Guadalajara now faces the daunting task of scoring at least once in the second leg, while also preventing a single goal from the visitors.
Missed Chances and Tight Defense
For 94 minutes, both teams created chances — plenty of them — but neither could find the back of the net. CD Guadalajara came close in the third minute when a quick counter caught Cruz Azul’s defense off balance. A low cross from the left found Armando Gonzalez, whose shot was blocked by Andres Gudino, the Cruz Azul goalkeeper, in a moment that set the tone for the evening. Minutes later, Angel Sepulveda nearly broke through on a breakaway, only to be denied by a perfectly timed tackle from Jose Castillo.
The first half was a tense affair, with neither side willing to gamble. CD Guadalajara relied on the precision of Luis Romo and Efrain Alvarez in midfield, while Cruz Azul leaned on the physicality of Angel Marquez and the composure of Jose Rivero. The only yellow cards came in the 25th, 66th, and 69th minutes — to Daniel Aguirre, Luis Romo, and Angel Marquez respectively — a sign of how tightly the game was being officiated and how little margin for error either side allowed.
The Substitutions That Didn’t Change Anything
As the clock ticked past the 70th minute, the desperation began to show. CD Guadalajara brought on Javier Hernandez in the 78th minute, hoping his experience could unlock the defense. But the veteran striker was isolated, with little support. His header from six yards out in the 90+1 minute — a moment that had the crowd on its feet — sailed just wide. It was the closest either team came to breaking the deadlock.
Cruz Azul responded with substitutions of their own: Gilberto Sepulveda replacing Gonzalo Fernández at 67’, and Miguel Bogusz coming on for Jose Rivero at the same time. But even with fresh legs, the visitors couldn’t find the rhythm. Willer Ditta committed a reckless foul in the 70th minute — one of many that frustrated the home side — and Jose Paradela was subbed off at 88’ as Cruz Azul looked to hold on.
Historical Dominance Gives Cruz Azul Psychological Edge
Here’s the twist: this isn’t the first time Cruz Azul has outplayed CD Guadalajara in recent memory. Over the last five meetings — including two this season — Cruz Azul has won four. The 2-1 away win on August 30, 2025, was a dagger to Chivas’ playoff hopes. The 1-0 victory on March 29, 2025, was even more telling: a clinical, defensive masterclass that left Chivas’ attack looking lost. That pattern has become a psychological burden.
For CD Guadalajara, this draw feels like a missed opportunity. They dominated possession in stretches, especially in the 22nd and 29th minutes, and had more shots on target. But finishing? That’s been their Achilles’ heel all season. As one local pundit put it: “They’re not afraid of Cruz Azul anymore — they’re just not good enough to beat them.”
What Comes Next: The Second Leg in Mexico City
The second leg is set for November 30, 2025, at Estadio Azteca — Cruz Azul’s fortress. The away goal rule means CD Guadalajara must score at least once to force extra time, and even then, they’d need to avoid conceding. If the tie remains 0-0 after 180 minutes, it goes to penalties. That’s a scenario Cruz Azul relishes — they’ve won three of their last four penalty shootouts in knockout play.
For CD Guadalajara, the pressure is immense. Their fans haven’t seen them reach the final since 2018. For Cruz Azul, this is a chance to return to the final for the first time since 2021 — and perhaps, finally, end their 25-year title drought.
Key Players Who Made a Difference
- Jose Rangel (CD Guadalajara GK): Made two crucial saves in the first half, including a point-blank stop from Carlos Rotondi.
- Andres Gudino (Cruz Azul GK): Stayed composed under pressure, particularly in the 61st minute when he denied Luis Romo from close range.
- Luis Romo (CD Guadalajara CM): Controlled the tempo, but his yellow card in the 66th minute could cost him in the second leg if another caution follows.
- Angel Marquez (Cruz Azul CM): The midfield enforcer who broke up play and drew the crucial yellow card — but also lost possession in dangerous areas twice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Cruz Azul have an advantage despite the 0-0 draw?
Because of the away goals rule, which awards the tiebreaker to the team that scored more goals away from home. Since the first leg ended 0-0 in Guadalajara, Cruz Azul now holds the advantage: if the second leg also ends 0-0, they advance on away goals. Chivas must score at least one goal in Mexico City to force extra time or penalties.
What’s the history between Chivas and Cruz Azul in playoffs?
Cruz Azul has dominated recent playoff meetings, winning four of the last five encounters — including a 2-1 win in August 2025 and a 1-0 win in March 2025. Their defensive discipline and ability to grind out results in high-pressure games have become a hallmark, while Chivas have struggled to convert chances when it matters most.
How do the lineups compare between the two teams?
Chivas fielded a more attacking setup with Alvarez and Ledezma in advanced midfield roles, while Cruz Azul prioritized structure with Rivero and Marquez anchoring the center. Chivas’ backline, led by Castillo and Aguirre, held firm, but their lack of a clinical striker was exposed. Cruz Azul’s front two — Rotondi and Sepulveda — were isolated, highlighting their reliance on midfield creativity.
Can Chivas still win this series?
Yes — but only if they score at least one goal in the second leg and keep Cruz Azul from finding the net. A 1-0 win for Chivas in Mexico City sends them through. A 2-1 win would be ideal. Anything less than a goal from Chivas, and Cruz Azul advances on away goals — even if the score is 0-0 or 1-1 on aggregate.
What’s at stake for each team beyond advancing?
For Chivas, a semifinal berth could reignite fan morale and potentially save their head coach’s job — they’ve lost five of their last eight matches. For Cruz Azul, reaching the final could be the breakthrough moment in their 25-year title drought. A championship win would end decades of near-misses and redefine their legacy in Liga MX.
What’s the weather forecast for the second leg?
The forecast for Estadio Azteca on November 30 predicts clear skies and temperatures around 18°C (64°F) — ideal for football. But the altitude (2,240 meters) and the crowd noise could make it feel like a pressure cooker. Players from both sides will need to manage their breathing and hydration carefully.
