Chivas Heads to Jalisco for Key Clash Against Cruz Azul

GUADALAJARA, Mexico — Following their elimination from the Concachampions at the hands of Club América, Chivas Guadalajara must refocus on the Liga MX season. This Saturday, they host Cruz Azul at Estadio Jalisco as they aim to secure essential points in the Clausura 2025 tournament.

The clash, scheduled for March 29 at 9:05 PM CT, comes at a crucial time for Chivas, who currently sit 10th in the standings with 16 points. Coach Gerardo Espinoza, who stepped in for Óscar García, has faced a challenging path, including three matches against América—one victory, one draw, and a heartbreaking defeat that led to their Concachampions exit.

“We need to push for every point as we work towards the playoffs,” Espinoza said at a press conference. With only five matches remaining, Chivas is under pressure to secure a direct qualification for the Liguilla.

Cruz Azul arrives in Guadalajara with eyes on both the league match and next week’s Concachampions quarterfinal against América. They currently occupy the 5th position in the league with 22 points, but they are aware that a loss against Chivas could hinder their playoff prospects.

Historically, matches between Chivas and Cruz Azul have been fiercely contested, especially in Jalisco, where their rivalry intensified during the 1986-87 season when the teams faced off in the final. This adds an extra layer of excitement and pressure for both teams.

“Three points are a must for us,” said midfielder Luis Romo, who will be available after international duty. “Playing at home means we need to capitalize on the support from our fans.”

The match will be streamed live in Mexico on Chivas TV and Amazon Prime, while fans in the U.S. can watch on Telemundo Deportes and Peacock. Attendance at Estadio Jalisco will be crucial for Chivas, especially after a recent sanction that prevented them from playing at their home ground, Estadio Akron.

In the lead-up to the match, Chivas appealed to the Mexican Football Federation for a venue change and succeeded, allowing them to play at Jalisco with fans present. The FMF confirmed that security measures would be in place to ensure a safe environment for spectators.

Cruz Azul is also making strategic preparations, considering their recent performance in the league. Assistant coach Adrián Esparza Oteo mentioned that the team will closely observe ticket sales and fan engagement during their matchup to gauge potential venue adjustments for the future.”

The excitement surrounding Saturday’s game reflects the stakes for both teams as they push for upward momentum in the league and set the stage for potential playoff matchups.