Cruz Azul Rallies Late to Secure Quarterfinal Spot Against León

MÉXICO — Cruz Azul overcame a 1-0 deficit to defeat León 2-1 in a thrilling match at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, securing their place in the quarterfinals of the tournament on April 16, 2025. The victory came as Luka Romero and Gabriel Fernández scored late in the game, turning the tide in favor of La Máquina.

León caught Cruz Azul off guard with aggressive high-pressure tactics from the start. Despite León’s initial momentum, Cruz Azul gradually took control of possession and created scoring opportunities. The first significant chance for León occurred in the 9th minute when Emiliano Rigoni led a counterattack, delivering a cross to Stiven Mendoza, who shot wide of the target.

In the 13th minute, Cruz Azul’s Oscar Jiménez produced a stunning save, stopping a powerful shot from Rodolfo Rotondi that was destined for the top corner of the net. The play energized the crowd but left Cruz Azul craving the elusive opening goal. Ángel Sepúlveda missed a golden opportunity in the 24th minute, shooting weakly into Jiménez’s hands after a scramble in the area.

James Rodríguez, León’s star player, showcased his talent throughout the match. In the 34th minute, a precise pass from Stiven Mendoza allowed Rodríguez to unleash a cross-shot, but Cruz Azul goalkeeper Andrés Gudiño made a vital save, earning cheers from his team’s fans.

The turning point came in the second half when León scored first. In the 58th minute, after Jiménez cleared a shot from Ignacio Rivero, the ball found Stiven Mendoza, who placed a well-aimed shot past Gudiño to give León a 1-0 lead.

Down a goal, Cruz Azul head coach Vicente Sánchez made several key substitutions. The game shifted when Nicolás Fonseca was ejected in the 74th minute after receiving a second yellow card. This pivotal moment allowed Cruz Azul to press for an equalizer.

In the 84th minute, Cruz Azul responded. Ignacio Rivero crossed from the right flank, and Luka Romero’s header found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1. This injected new energy into Cruz Azul and their supporters in the stands.

As the match entered stoppage time, Cruz Azul capitalized on the momentum. Gabriel Fernández, who came on as a substitute in the 63rd minute, scored the decisive goal moments later, securing a 2-1 victory for La Máquina as time expired. The goal sent the home crowd into a frenzy, as they celebrated the comeback and a spot in the quarterfinals.

James Rodríguez faced a hostile environment, receiving boos from Cruz Azul fans throughout the match. The tension peaked when he attempted a set-piece, prompting fans to whip out their phones to record the moment.

This victory marks a significant highlight in Cruz Azul’s campaign, as they look to build momentum heading into the knockout stage of the tournament.