In a dramatic second-leg matchup, Cruz Azul advances to the semifinals of the 2025 Apertura in Liga MX after beating Chivas 3-2 at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Chivas took the lead through a goal from Cade Cowell, who replaced Armando Gonzalez, who initially was set to start the match but was ruled out due to a slight injury concern during the warm-ups.
Cruz Azul tied the game in the 14th minute through a Gabriel Fernández goal. A draw was enough for Cruz Azul to advance to the semifinal. Chivas retook the lead in the 35th minute through a Bryan Gonzalez goal.
At halftime, Chivas was leading the match and advancing to the semifinals, but a great goal from Jeremy Márquez in the 72nd minute made it 2-2.
Chivas had the golden opportunity to win the match in the 84th minute as Guadalajara were awarded a penalty kick. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández stepped up for the penalty, but he skied his shot.
With Chivas desperate for the winning goal, Guadalajara were caught unorganized at the back. Gabriel Fernández plays a ball to Carlos Rodriguez, and the Mexican midfielder cleverly chips Tala Rangel to make it 3-2 to Cruz Azul.
The Liga MX 2025 Apertura Semifinals
With Cruz Azul's win over Chivas, the semifinals of the 2025 Apertura are now confirmed.
The semifinals will be Toluca (1) vs Monterrey (5) and Tigres (2) vs Cruz Azul (3). The first and second legs will be played in the upcoming days.
Monterrey will host Toluca for the first leg this week at the Estadio BBVA. The second leg will be played at the Nemesio Diez during the weekend.
Cruz Azul will host Tigres at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario during the week. The second leg will be played at the Estadio Universitario in San Nicolás de los Garza this weekend.
Give us your early predictions for the semifinals of the 2025 Apertura.