On a crisp November evening in Zapopan, Chivas took the field at Estadio Akron for the first leg of the Apertura 2025 quarterfinalsZapopan, Jalisco against archrival Cruz Azul. The stakes? Nothing short of survival. A 0-0 draw between these two just hours before kickoff had already set the tone — tense, physical, and emotionally charged. But this wasn’t just another match. It was the latest chapter in a rivalry older than most fans’ memories, where pride, history, and playoff dreams collide.
The Lineups: Tactical Chess Match Under the Lights
Chivas lined up in a compact 3-4-2-1, a formation that signaled both caution and ambition. José Raúl Rangel guarded the net, flanked by defenders Daniel Aguirre, José Castillo, and Luis Francisco Romo. Midfield was anchored by Richard Ledezma and Omar Govea, with the electric Bryan González and Fernando González providing width. Up top, Efrain Álvarez and Roberto Alvarado operated as creative engines behind Armando González, the team’s top scorer with 12 goals this season — a number that makes him the heartbeat of Chivas’ attack.
Cruz Azul responded with their own 3-4-2-1, led by goalkeeper Andrés Gudiño. Their backline of Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, and Ignacio Rivero looked solid, but questions lingered after Rivero was subbed out in their last meeting. In midfield, Carlos Rodriguez — with four assists in his last 10 games — was the creative fulcrum. Up front, Ángel Baltazar Sepúlveda stood alone, his 7 goals in 16 matches making him the most dangerous man on the pitch. And then there was José Antonio Paradela, the quiet assassin who thrives in the shadows.
Injuries and Absences: The Hidden Impact
Chivas’ lineup was already thinned by injuries. Diego Campillo, Leonardo Sepúlveda, and Miguel Tapias — all key contributors — were sidelined. That meant less depth, less rotation, and more pressure on the starters. For Cruz Azul, the blow was equally sharp: Lorenzo Faravelli, their defensive anchor, was suspended. Andres Montano and Kevin Mier were out with injuries, leaving the backline exposed — a fact not lost on Chivas’ coaching staff.
It’s not just about who’s missing — it’s about who’s stepping up. Chicharito sat on Chivas’ bench, a legend still waiting for his moment. His presence alone shifted the energy in the stadium. For Cruz Azul, Gabriel Fernandez — who scored twice in their last match against Pumas — was the wildcard. His chemistry with Ángel Sepúlveda could be the difference.
The Rivalry: More Than Just Points
This isn’t just about advancing in the playoffs. It’s about legacy. Cruz Azul beat Chivas 2-1 on August 30, 2025 — a result that still stings in Guadalajara. The 0-0 draw on the same day as this quarterfinal? A sign of mutual caution, maybe, or a signal that both teams know how dangerous the other is. Chivas has dominated possession in 7 of their last 10 matches. Cruz Azul? They’ve been the masters of counterattacks, especially when trailing.
And then there’s the stadium. Estadio Akron isn’t just a venue — it’s a fortress. Chivas fans fill it with red and white, their chants echoing like thunder. The noise level? It’s not just background. It’s a weapon. Cruz Azul, despite their technical prowess, have historically struggled here. Their last win at Akron? Over a decade ago.
What’s Next? The Second Leg Looms
With the first leg ending 1-1 — a result that felt both fair and frustrating — the stage is set for a dramatic second leg at Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Mexico City. If Chivas can hold their ground, they’ll likely advance on away goals. But if Cruz Azul scores just once in the return leg, the pressure flips entirely. The team that scores first in the second leg will probably win the tie. And that’s why every pass, every tackle, every shot matters.
Chivas’ attack has been clinical — Armando González, Alvarado, and Ledezma have combined for 19 goals and assists. Cruz Azul’s defense, meanwhile, has conceded 1.8 goals per game in their last five matches. That’s not sustainable. But they’ve got pace. They’ve got grit. And they’ve got a manager who knows how to win knockout games.
Expert Insight: The Psychological Edge
“Chivas are playing with house money,” said former Liga MX midfielder and analyst Carlos Alberto “Cacho” Rodríguez in a post-match interview. “They’re not expected to win this. Cruz Azul has the pedigree, the squad depth, the experience. But when you play Chivas at home, in the playoffs, with 50,000 fans screaming your name? That changes everything. The pressure isn’t on them — it’s on Cruz Azul to break through.”
And that’s the twist. The team with more talent isn’t the one feeling the weight. It’s the one that’s supposed to win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Chivas’ top scorers and assist providers this season?
Chivas’ top scorer is Armando González with 12 goals, followed by Roberto Alvarado (3 goals) and Bryan González (2 goals). The top assist providers are Efrain Álvarez and Richard Ledezma, each with 4 assists, while Erick Gutiérrez adds 2. This offensive balance makes them dangerous even when they’re not dominating possession.
Why is the absence of Lorenzo Faravelli critical for Cruz Azul?
Faravelli is Cruz Azul’s defensive anchor and primary ball-progressor from the back. His suspension forces younger players into high-pressure roles, and without his composure, the backline becomes vulnerable to quick transitions — a weakness Chivas exploited in their 2-1 August win. His absence also disrupts their build-up play, which relies on his distribution.
How did Cruz Azul perform in their last match before this quarterfinal?
Cruz Azul lost 3-2 at home to Pumas UNAM, despite holding 52% possession and registering five shots on target. Gabriel Fernandez scored twice, but defensive lapses cost them. That result exposed their inconsistency — they can dominate statistically and still lose. It’s a worrying trend heading into a knockout tie.
What’s the significance of Estadio Akron in this rivalry?
Estadio Akron is Chivas’ fortress. Cruz Azul hasn’t won there in over 10 years, and the crowd’s intensity often disrupts visiting teams’ rhythm. Chivas have won 7 of their last 10 home matches, and their possession dominance (7 of last 10 overall) suggests they control games here. For Cruz Azul, surviving the noise is half the battle.
Who could be the surprise starter if Chivas makes a substitution?
Chicharito is the wildcard. Though he’s not starting, his presence on the bench forces Cruz Azul to adjust defensively. If Chivas is trailing late, bringing him on adds pace, aerial threat, and clutch finishing — he’s scored in 11 of his last 14 playoff appearances. His impact is psychological as much as tactical.
What’s the most likely outcome of the second leg?
If the first leg ends 1-1, the second leg will hinge on who scores first. Cruz Azul has more attacking depth, but Chivas has home advantage in the return leg. A 2-1 win for Chivas in Mexico City would send them through on away goals. A 1-0 win for Cruz Azul would force extra time. Expect a cagey, high-stakes affair with one decisive moment.
