Cruz Azul narrowly outpaces América in the first leg of the 2025 Clausura semi-final.

Cruz Azul took a slim but valuable lead in the first leg of the 2025 Clausura semifinals by beating Club América 1-0 at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario . Ignacio Rivero 's goal in the 59th minute was enough to put La Máquina in a favorable position heading into the final, despite finishing the match with a man down.

From the opening minutes, the match showed signs of tension. Just six minutes in, a play in the Azulcrema area sparked protests from América. Colombian Cristian Borja entered the box and, as he cut in, the ball hit defender Erik Lira's outstretched arm. Referee Luis Enrique Santander ruled that the incident wasn't punishable, sparking protests from the Coapa players.

During the first half, clear-cut opportunities were scarce. Both teams resorted to mid-range shots, although without seriously worrying the goalkeepers. It wasn't until the start of the second half that the pace of the match changed. In the 48th minute, Víctor Dávila unleashed a cross from the left flank that he closed down powerfully and crashed into the right post of Malagón 's goal, his most dangerous opportunity up to that point.

YOU MAY BE INTERESTED IN: Who is Sergio Omar Gastélum? Saraperos de Saltillo's new manager

Cruz Azul took advantage of the momentum. From a corner kick in the 59th minute, Rivero joined the attack, got ahead of his marker Ramón Juárez , and headed past the América goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Shortly after, in the 62nd minute, Carlos Rodríguez launched a long pass that left Ángel Sepúlveda facing Ángel Malagón , but the Cementero forward was unable to extend the lead, crashing his shot into the goalkeeper's body.

The situation changed dramatically in the 63rd minute. In a divided play, Ignacio Rivero committed a heavy challenge on Álvaro Fidalgo's ankle. After a VAR review, the referee determined the foul warranted a red card. The Sky Blue captain, who scored the only goal of the match, left his team with ten men for the remainder of the match.

The final stretch of the match was dominated by América , who constantly pressed in search of an equalizer. However, a lack of decisiveness again proved to be an obstacle for André Jardine's team, who generated several chances but failed to convert them.

The Brazilian manager's frustration was evident at the end of the match. Jardine was sent off for vehemently criticizing the referee's performance, particularly the penalty call in the opening minutes and the harsh challenge on Fidalgo .

With this result, Cruz Azul heads into the second leg with the advantage of a draw on aggregate. La Máquina only needs to avoid defeat at the Ciudad de los Deportes to secure its spot in the final. América , meanwhile, must win at home to advance.

In addition to the pressure to overturn the score, the Eagles will have to face the match without their manager on the bench. Jardine 's expulsion complicates the situation for a team that has already struggled to capitalize on his arrivals.

The second leg will be played at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes , where América will seek to regain ground with the support of its fans, while Cruz Azul will try to maintain its lead and return to a Mexican soccer final.

TOPICS