The Cruz Azul and Club Deportivo Guadalajara (Chivas) played out a tense, goalless stalemate in the first leg of their 2025 Liga MX Apertura quarterfinal, leaving fans on edge ahead of the decisive second leg. The match, held on Thursday, November 27, 2025 at 9:05 PM Eastern Time at Estadio AKRON in Zapopan, Jalisco, ended 0-0 — a result that flips the script for the second leg at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City. With both teams possessing star power and history, this isn’t just another playoff tie. It’s El Súper Clásico Mexicano on the brink.
First Leg Ends in Frustration — and Opportunity
The first leg was a battle of nerves more than goals. Chivas, the No. 6 seed, hosted the No. 3 seeded Cruz Azul in front of nearly 50,000 fans at Estadio AKRON. Neither side could break through despite multiple clear chances. At the 61st minute, Chivas’ Rivero missed a golden opportunity from six yards out — a moment that echoed through the stadium in stunned silence. Then, at 86’, Márquez — one of Chivas’ most dangerous attackers — sent a header just wide of the post. The final whistle blew at 90'+3' with the scoreboard still blank. "It was a game of inches," said one longtime Liga MX analyst on TUDN. "You could feel the tension in every pass. One mistake, one moment of brilliance — that’s all it takes." Cruz Azul’s offensive engine, led by Ángel Sepúlveda (#9), remains the most potent force in the tournament. With 9 goals this Apertura, he’s the league’s top scorer and the player Chivas’ defense will be forced to double-team. His teammates Mateusz Bogusz (#7) and Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi (#29) each contributed 3 assists, making them the creative heartbeat of Cruz Azul’s attack. Meanwhile, Gabriel Fernández (#21) has scored twice in the playoffs, and defender Gonzalo Piovi (#33) has blocked two shots in key moments — a quiet but vital presence.How to Watch the Second Leg in the USA
For American fans, the second leg on Sunday, November 30, 2025 at 8:00 PM Eastern Time at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes is must-watch TV. The match will air live on Univision and TUDN, with streaming options available through Fubo (which offers a free 7-day trial), DirecTV Stream, and Peacock Premium ($14.99/month). Fubo also lists the match under its international soccer package, with the kickoff listed as 1:00 AM UTC on December 1 — which aligns perfectly with the 8 PM ET start. Pro tip: If you’re traveling abroad or outside your home region, a VPN like NordVPN can help you access your regular U.S. streaming service. Many fans have reported success using this method to watch matches without blackouts — though always check your provider’s terms.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about advancing to the semifinals. It’s about legacy. Chivas, founded in 1906, is Mexico’s most popular club — known for fielding only Mexican-born players and carrying the hopes of a nation. Cruz Azul, founded in 1927, is the underdog with a massive following and a reputation for dramatic playoff runs. Their rivalry isn’t just tactical — it’s cultural. In Mexico City, the streets will be electric on Sunday. In Guadalajara, fans will be glued to screens, hoping for a miracle. The winner advances to face either Monterrey or América — the other heavyweight clash of the quarterfinals — in a semifinal scheduled between Wednesday, December 3 and Sunday, December 7, 2025. The loser? Their season ends. No second chances. No extra time in the aggregate. Just pure, unfiltered knockout pressure.What’s at Stake Beyond the Semifinals
The 2025 Liga MX Apertura Liguilla has been one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. Only one of the top four seeds has advanced cleanly. Cruz Azul, despite being the higher seed, hasn’t dominated — they’ve survived. Chivas, meanwhile, has scraped through with grit. The second leg will test not just skill, but mental toughness. Cruz Azul has home advantage — but Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes holds only 33,042 fans, less than two-thirds of Estadio AKRON’s capacity. That means Chivas, even on the road, can still steal it with a single goal. The away goals rule still applies. So if the second leg ends 1-1, Chivas advances. If it’s 2-2? Same result. Cruz Azul must win by two goals to avoid extra time. A 0-0 draw again? Then penalties. And if you’ve ever watched a Cruz Azul penalty shootout, you know — it’s not for the faint of heart.
What’s Next?
All eyes turn to Mexico City on Sunday. Will Ángel Sepúlveda finally break through? Can Chivas’ defense hold firm? Will Cruz Azul’s midfield, led by Bogusz and Rotondi, control the tempo? And will the referee’s whistle be the last sound fans hear — or will the roar of the crowd drown it out? The stage is set. The tension is real. And for the first time since 2018, the two biggest clubs in Mexican soccer are meeting in a playoff where only one can survive.Frequently Asked Questions
How does the away goals rule work in this quarterfinal?
If the aggregate score is tied after both legs, the team that scored more goals away from home advances. For example, if Cruz Azul wins the second leg 1-0, the aggregate is 1-0 and they move on. But if it’s 1-1, Chivas advances because they scored their goal in Mexico City. A 2-2 draw means Chivas advances again — they scored one away goal, Cruz Azul scored zero away goals. This rule adds immense pressure on the home team to win by more than one goal.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Cruz Azul, Ángel Sepúlveda (9 goals) is the main threat, while Mateusz Bogusz and Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi (3 assists each) control the tempo. Chivas must watch Gonzalo Piovi, whose defensive blocks have disrupted attacks all season. On the other side, Chivas’ Rivero and Márquez need to convert the chances they missed in the first leg — otherwise, their season could end in heartbreak.
Can I watch the match for free in the U.S.?
Yes — Fubo offers a free 7-day trial that includes Univision and TUDN, so you can watch both legs without paying upfront. DirecTV Stream also has a trial period. Peacock Premium requires a subscription ($14.99/month), but if you already have it, you’re covered. ESPN+ won’t carry the match, despite its soccer coverage. Avoid unofficial streams — they’re unreliable and often illegal.
Why is this matchup called 'El Súper Clásico Mexicano'?
It’s the most storied rivalry in Mexican soccer — Chivas represents Guadalajara’s working-class pride, while Cruz Azul embodies the urban, industrial identity of Mexico City. Their matches draw over 100 million viewers globally, far more than any other Liga MX fixture. The rivalry dates back to the 1940s, and when they meet in the playoffs, it’s not just about trophies — it’s about legacy, identity, and national pride.
What happens if the second leg ends in a 0-0 draw again?
If the second leg also ends 0-0, the match goes directly to a penalty shootout. No extra time is played in Liga MX quarterfinals if the aggregate is tied. That means the team that wins the shootout — not the one with better stats or possession — advances. Cruz Azul has a mixed record in penalties; Chivas has been more consistent since 2020. Fans should brace for a tense, emotional finale.
Where can I find official stats and highlights after the match?
Liga MX’s official website (ligamx.net) publishes full match reports, player ratings, and video highlights within 24 hours. TUDN’s YouTube channel also releases condensed match recaps within hours of the final whistle. For real-time stats during the game, Fubo TV’s in-stream analytics and the Liga MX app offer live shot charts, pass accuracy, and pressure maps — perfect for hardcore fans.
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