The Chivas and Cruz Azul played out a tense, goalless draw on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Jalisco — a result that leaves the 2025 Apertura quarterfinals wide open. The match, which ended 0-0 after 94 minutes of relentless pressure and near-misses, saw both teams squander golden chances under the roar of a packed home crowd. For Chivas, the draw feels like a missed opportunity; for Cruz Azul, it’s a hard-fought road result. The second leg looms large — and so does the weight of history.
A Match Built on Near-Misses
From the opening whistle, the rhythm was frantic. Chivas came out swinging, with Miguel Gómez heading just wide from six yards in the 91st minute, assisted by Daniel Aguirre. The crowd gasped. Then, in the 86th, Marquez — Cruz Azul’s lone striker — blasted a free header over the bar from point-blank range. That’s the kind of moment that haunts teams. The scoreboard stayed blank, but the tension? It was thick enough to cut.There were 12 clear scoring opportunities across the 90 minutes, according to Bolavip’s minute-by-minute log. At the 22nd minute, Chivas had a breakaway that fizzled when the final pass was overhit. At the 37th, Paradela tried a curled effort from 25 yards — the ball kissed the post. The first yellow card came at the 25th minute, signaling how tightly the game was being officiated. Even the halftime whistle felt like a relief — for both teams.
The Rivalry That Never Sleeps
This isn’t just any playoff tie. Since October 25, 2020, Chivas and Cruz Azul have met six times in Liga MX Apertura play. Chivas has won three of those, Cruz Azul just one. The other two? Draws. That’s not luck. That’s legacy. The Rebaño Sagrado — the Sacred Herd — know this rivalry like the back of their jerseys. And Cruz Azul? They’ve spent decades trying to break through at Estadio Akron. They’ve failed before. But they’re not done yet.On the pitch, Chivas’ lineup — Rangel in goal, Castillo anchoring the backline, Álvarez and Govea dictating tempo — looked disciplined. But they lacked that killer instinct. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, played with a counterpunching patience that frustrated their hosts. They didn’t dominate possession, but they didn’t need to. They waited. And they nearly got their reward.
What’s Next? The Second Leg Decides
The second leg takes place next week at Estadio Azul in Mexico City. And here’s the twist: the away goals rule doesn’t apply anymore in Liga MX. It’s all about total goals. That means if the second leg ends 0-0 again, we’re heading to extra time. And if it’s still tied after 120 minutes? Penalties. The psychological toll of that scenario? Massive.For Chivas, playing at home in the second leg is supposed to be an advantage. But they’ve lost their last three knockout games at Estadio Akron. That’s not a coincidence. That’s a pattern. For Cruz Azul, winning away from home in a playoff is a rare feat — but not impossible. They did it in 2021 against Tigres. They know how.
Where to Watch and What It Means
In the U.S., fans could catch the match live on Peacock Premium and USA Network. In Mexico, Amazon Prime remains the official home of Chivas broadcasts. But the real story isn’t the streaming platform — it’s the stakes. This is Liga MX’s version of El Clásico. Two clubs with 100+ years of history, millions of loyal fans, and a mutual hatred that fuels every tackle.And then there’s the odd footnote: CBS Sports listed a match between these two teams scheduled for Sunday, November 30, 2025, at The Family Arena in Saint Charles, Missouri. That’s not part of the Liga MX playoffs. It’s an exhibition — likely a U.S. promotional tour. A reminder that even in the middle of a high-stakes domestic battle, the global appetite for Mexican football keeps growing.
Why This Matters
This 0-0 draw isn’t just a footnote in the Apertura. It’s a turning point. Chivas fans are already asking: Did they blow it? Cruz Azul supporters are wondering: Can they hold their nerve? The answer won’t come until next week. But one thing’s clear — when these two meet, the drama never runs out.Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn’t Chivas score at home despite so many chances?
Chivas created at least seven clear scoring opportunities, but their finishing was off. Miguel Gómez’s header in the 91st minute was the closest, and even that missed by inches. The team struggled to convert crosses into goals, with several key passes arriving too late or too high. Cruz Azul’s defense, led by their center-back pairing, stayed compact and disciplined, forcing Chivas into low-percentage shots.
What’s the historical edge between Chivas and Cruz Azul in knockout matches?
Since October 2020, the two clubs have met six times in Liga MX Apertura play, with Chivas winning three, Cruz Azul winning one, and two ending in draws. In playoff encounters specifically, Chivas has won two of the last three knockout ties. Cruz Azul’s lone playoff win during that span came in the 2021 Clausura quarterfinals — a 2-1 aggregate victory that ended a long drought at Estadio Akron.
How does the absence of away goals affect the second leg?
With away goals no longer counting as a tiebreaker, the second leg is now a pure aggregate battle. A 1-0 win for Cruz Azul in Mexico City would send them through. But if Chivas wins 1-0 at home, they advance. The pressure shifts: Chivas must now score, and Cruz Azul can’t afford to concede. It’s a more open, riskier game — and that’s exactly what fans want.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Chivas, Daniel Aguirre’s crosses and Álvarez’s vision in midfield will be critical. For Cruz Azul, keep an eye on their young winger, Luis Martínez, who wasn’t on the pitch in the first leg but has scored in three of his last four appearances. Goalkeeper Rangel for Chivas and Cruz Azul’s keeper, Diego Rodríguez, will also be under intense scrutiny — especially if penalties loom.
Why is there a match scheduled in Missouri?
The November 30 fixture at The Family Arena in Saint Charles, Missouri, is a separate exhibition game, part of Liga MX’s ongoing effort to grow its U.S. fanbase. It’s not related to the Apertura playoffs. These matches are often used to promote merchandise, streaming rights, and youth academies. Don’t expect the same intensity — but expect plenty of fanfare.
What’s the biggest risk for Chivas heading into the second leg?
The biggest risk? Overconfidence. Chivas has won three of their last six meetings with Cruz Azul, but they’ve lost their last three knockout games at Estadio Akron. That’s a pattern. If they play too aggressively early, they’ll leave space for Cruz Azul to counter. The smartest move? Control the tempo, protect the backline, and wait for one moment — because in this rivalry, one moment is all it takes.