The Chivas and Cruz Azul played out a tense 0-0 draw in the first leg of the 2025 Apertura Liga MX quarterfinals, leaving the series wide open heading into the decisive second leg. The match, held on the 2025 Apertura Liga MX QuarterfinalsEstadio Akron in Zapopan, Jalisco, ended under a hushed silence at 9:07 PM UTC — no goals, no fireworks, just nerves and strategy. With the aggregate score tied, every pass, every tackle, every missed chance in the return leg on November 30 will carry the weight of elimination. And the injury to Kevin Mier, Cruz Azul’s starting goalkeeper, looms large over the Cementeros’ chances.
What Went Wrong for Cruz Azul?
Cruz Azul entered the match with more than just fatigue — they entered with a crisis. The loss of Kevin Mier to injury just days before kickoff wasn’t just a blow to their defense; it was a psychological earthquake. Mier, 26, had started every league match since August and was widely regarded as the backbone of La Máquina’s resurgence this season. His replacement, 31-year-old veteran Alfredo Talavera, played solidly but lacked the agility that Mier brought to one-on-one situations. Without him, Cruz Azul looked hesitant in the final third, often opting for long balls over building pressure. Their last three matches had seen two losses — including a 3-1 defeat to Tigres UANL — and the absence of their starting keeper only deepened the doubt.Meanwhile, Chivas, known as the Rebaño Sagrado, came in on a three-match winning streak, riding high on momentum. Their midfield trio of Diego Govea, Lucas Aguirre, and Andrés González controlled possession for 62% of the match. But they struggled to convert chances. The closest they came was in the 90+1’ minute, when substitute Miguel Gómez headed a Daniel Aguirre cross just wide from six yards out. Fans held their breath. The stadium erupted — then fell silent again. It was the last meaningful chance of the night.
Streaming and Broadcasts: A Patchwork of Access
For U.S. viewers, the match was available on Peacock Premium and USA Network, while Mexican fans relied on Amazon Prime Video — the official home of Chivas’ streaming rights in Mexico. The discrepancy in platforms isn’t unusual; Liga MX has long struggled with fragmented broadcasting rights. But the confusion deepened when CBS Sports listed the second leg at “The Family Arena in Saint Charles, Missouri,” a venue typically used for minor league hockey and wrestling. That listing was quickly flagged as an error by multiple sources, including OneFootball and Bolavip, which confirmed the return leg would be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City — Cruz Azul’s designated home for playoff matches. The mix-up highlights the growing pains of international coverage as Liga MX’s popularity surges in North America.
Historical Edge and Tactical Implications
Since October 25, 2020, Chivas and Cruz Azul have met six times in Apertura tournaments. Chivas won three, Cruz Azul won one, and two ended in draws. That 50% win rate for Chivas isn’t just a stat — it’s a pattern. At home, they’re nearly unbeatable. Estadio Akron has been a fortress this season: six wins, one draw, zero losses in their last seven matches. Cruz Azul, by contrast, has won only one of their last five away games in the playoffs. The pressure is now on them to score in Mexico City. A 1-0 win would send them through. A 2-1 loss? Still alive. But if they fail to score, and Chivas holds firm, the tiebreaker goes to away goals — which, in this case, would favor Chivas since they didn’t concede at home.That’s why the second leg isn’t just a game — it’s a high-stakes chess match. Chivas can afford to sit back. Cruz Azul cannot. They need to attack. But with Mier gone and their defense shaky, can they risk leaving space? Their coach, Diego Cocca, has hinted at a 4-2-3-1 formation to add more bodies in midfield, but that leaves the backline exposed. The twist? Chivas’ coach, Antonio Mohamed, has said he’s “not thinking about the away goals rule.” Translation: he wants to win, not just survive.
What’s Next? The Second Leg Decides Everything
The return leg is set for Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 6:00 PM UTC at Estadio Azteca. The stakes couldn’t be higher. If Chivas wins by two goals or more, they advance outright. If they win by one, it’s extra time. If it’s a draw or a Cruz Azul win, the Cementeros move on. Penalty kicks? That’s the nightmare scenario for both teams. Neither side has won a shootout in their last four playoff appearances.And then there’s the weather. Forecasts show a 70% chance of rain in Mexico City on Sunday. Wet pitch. Slippery ball. Fatigued legs. It could turn the match into a mud fight — exactly the kind of game Cruz Azul might prefer if they’re desperate. Chivas, on the other hand, thrives on technical play. Rain could neutralize their advantage.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about who advances. It’s about legacy. Chivas, the most popular club in Mexico, hasn’t reached the Liga MX final since 2017. Cruz Azul, once a powerhouse, hasn’t won a title since 2021. Both are chasing redemption. For Chivas, it’s about proving they can win big games without relying on their youth academy. For Cruz Azul, it’s about showing they’re still La Máquina — not a team in decline.The 0-0 draw didn’t disappoint. It delivered tension. It delivered questions. And it delivered drama that will reach its peak in Mexico City on Sunday.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Kevin Mier’s injury such a big deal for Cruz Azul?
Kevin Mier was Cruz Azul’s most consistent goalkeeper this season, starting every league match since August and making crucial saves in high-pressure moments. His absence forces veteran Alfredo Talavera into the spotlight, but Talavera lacks Mier’s reflexes and command of the box. In a playoff setting where one mistake can end a season, that gap is enormous.
Can Chivas advance without scoring in the second leg?
Yes — but only if Cruz Azul fails to score in Mexico City. Since the first leg ended 0-0, Chivas would advance on away goals if the second leg ends 1-1, 2-2, or any other draw. But if Cruz Azul scores even once and Chivas doesn’t, the Cementeros move on. Chivas must win by at least two goals to avoid extra time.
Where is the second leg actually being played?
Despite a misleading CBS Sports listing, the second leg will be held at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Cruz Azul’s designated home for playoff matches. The “Family Arena” listing was an error, likely due to a data sync issue with U.S. broadcast partners.
How has Chivas performed at home this season?
Chivas has been nearly unbeatable at Estadio Akron, with a record of 6 wins and 1 draw in their last 7 home matches this Apertura. They’ve scored 14 goals and conceded just 2, making them the toughest team to beat in Liga MX at home. That home advantage could be decisive in the second leg.
Who has the upper hand historically between these two teams?
Since October 25, 2020, Chivas has won 3 of the 6 Apertura matchups against Cruz Azul (50%), while Cruz Azul has won only once (17%). Two matches ended in draws. Chivas has also won both playoff encounters in that span, giving them a psychological edge heading into Sunday’s decider.
What’s the weather forecast for the second leg?
Meteorologists predict a 70% chance of rain in Mexico City on Sunday, which could slow the pace of play and favor Cruz Azul’s more physical style. Wet conditions may neutralize Chivas’ technical midfield, turning the match into a battle of endurance — and possibly leading to more errors, penalties, or even a shootout.