Cruz Azul Stages Dramatic Comeback to Secure Quarterfinal Spot

MÉXICO CITY, Mexico — Cruz Azul overcome a one-goal deficit to defeat León 2-1 in a thrilling match at Estadio Olímpico Universitario on April 16, 2025. With late goals from Luka Romero and Gabriel Fernández, the victory propelled La Máquina directly into the quarterfinals of the tournament.

León surprised Cruz Azul with aggressive high-pressure tactics right from the start. Despite conceding early chances, Cruz Azul controlled possession but struggled to find the back of the net as León generated the first significant threat in the ninth minute. Forward Emiliano Rigoni led a counterattack, delivering a low cross to Stiven Mendoza, who, unmarked in the box, misfired his shot wide.

Cruz Azul’s Oscar Jiménez showcased his skills in the 13th minute, making a crucial save from a powerful strike by Rodolfo Rotondi. The ball seemed destined for the upper corner until Jiménez leaped and deflected it off the post before reeling it back in.

In what could have been a crucial moment, Ángel Sepúlveda’s effort in the 24th minute fell short. After a scramble in León’s area, the ball landed at Sepúlveda’s feet, but he fired a weak shot straight into Jiménez’s hands, failing to capitalize on the opportunity.

James Rodríguez impressed throughout the game, creating chances and assisting teammates. In the 34th minute, Rodríguez found himself on the receiving end of a pass from Mendoza, but his shot was expertly saved by Cruz Azul’s Andrés Gudiño. The crowd erupted in appreciation, chanting “portero, portero, portero…” for the standout goalkeeper.

The tension shifted in the second half as León took the lead in the 58th minute. Gudiño made an excellent save from Ignacio Rivero’s close-range attempt, but in a quick turn of events, David Ramírez delivered a pass to Stiven Mendoza, who successfully placed a shot past Gudiño.

Needing to respond, Cruz Azul’s coach Vicente Sánchez made strategic substitutions, bringing on Amaury Morales, Gabriel Fernández, and Giorgos Giakoumakis in a bid to level the match. The situation became more favorable for Cruz Azul after the 74th minute when León’s Nicolás Fonseca was sent off for a second yellow card due to a hard tackle on Jorge Sánchez near the sideline.

After the red card, Cruz Azul nearly equalized, hitting the post from a long-range effort by Morales. The mounting pressure from Cruz Azul, combined with the palpable energy from their supporters at the stadium, finally paid off in the 84th minute. Ignacio Rivero delivered a pinpoint cross from the right, which Luka Romero met with a well-placed header to level the score.

With the match tied and seven minutes of stoppage time added, Cruz Azul found the winner. In a swift play down the right flank, Amaury Morales set up Gabriel Fernández, who slotted the ball into the net to seal the victory, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.