Cruz Azul and Chivas Face Off in Crucial Apertura 2025 Quarterfinals

GUADALAJARA, Mexico – The quarterfinal matchup between Cruz Azul and Chivas promises to be one of the most exciting series in the Apertura 2025 playoffs. Both teams, who had not met in the knockout rounds for 19 years, have shown impressive form leading up to this clash.

The first leg will take place on Thursday, November 27, at 8:07 p.m. (Central Time) at Estadio Akron, home to Chivas. The return leg is set for Sunday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m. at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Cruz Azul’s temporary home.

Cruz Azul faces a significant challenge as they will be without their starting goalkeeper, Kevin Mier, who is out with a fractured fibula. His replacement, 28-year-old Andrés Gudiño, has limited experience in playoff matches and has played 29 games in the first division across Liga MX, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup.

“It’s a big responsibility,” Gudiño said. “I will give my best to help the team advance.” Cruz Azul has not lost at Estadio Olímpico Universitario since moving there in 2024, which could be a decisive factor if they reach the second leg of the series.

Chivas enters the match on a high note, having lost only one of their last eight regular-season games, winning the other seven. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul struggled, finishing with three wins, three draws, and two losses in the same span.

The offensive hopes for Cruz Azul rest heavily on José Paradela, who finished the regular season with three goals and five assists. His performance will be crucial if they want to overcome Chivas.

Chivas has also made a notable addition with Efraín Álvarez, who scored two goals and provided five assists since joining the team. However, they will miss defender Diego Campillo, who suffered a foot injury in the last matches of the regular season, raising concerns about their defensive line-up.

“We are ready for the challenge,” said Bryan González, a midfielder for Chivas. “Our focus is solely on Cruz Azul; we want to win at home and carry a significant lead into the second leg.”

Historically, Chivas has fared well against Cruz Azul in playoff settings, advancing in two out of their three previous encounters. The last playoff meeting was in 2006, which Chivas won decisively.

The two teams have much to gain from this series, with Chivas looking to capitalize on their home form and Cruz Azul aiming to finally break their playoff hoodoo against their rivals. As the match approaches, excitement builds, setting the stage for a thrilling encounter.