The opening half was evenly contested, with both teams trading control and chances in a tense atmosphere. Cruz Azul took the lead through Jeremy Marquez, while Chivas responded quickly with an equalizer from Omar Govea to keep the match level at halftime. Goalkeepers were heavily involved throughout, keeping the score tight.

In the second half, Cruz Azul found the decisive moment through Agustin Palavecino, whose shot deflected off Diego Campillo and ended up in the net for the winning goal. Chivas continued pushing forward in search of an equalizer, but Cruz Azul held firm defensively to protect their advantage. In the end, Cruz Azul’s efficiency in key moments proved decisive in sealing their place in the final.

Guadalajara escaped Estadio Azteca with a valuable result and now returns home knowing that one more strong performance could send them to the final. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, arrives under pressure after letting the lead slip away.

With stars like Carlos Rodriguez, Jose Paradela, Efrain Alvarez and Angel Sepulveda expected to play key roles, the semifinal promises another emotional chapter in one of Mexico’s biggest rivalries.

What happens if Chivas beat Cruz Azul today?

If Chivas beat Cruz Azul today, Guadalajara will qualify for the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final. Any win in the second leg would give them the advantage on aggregate after the teams drew 2-2 in the opening match.

Chivas also enter the semifinal with an important advantage because of their regular-season finish. They ended the Clausura in second place with 36 points, while Cruz Azul finished third with 33 points.

That higher seed becomes the tiebreaker if the aggregate score is level after both matches. Under Liga MX rules, teams receive three points for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss during the regular season.

What happens if Chivas and Cruz Azul tie today?

If Chivas and Cruz Azul tie today, Chivas will still advance to the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final. Since the first leg ended 2-2, any draw in the second leg would leave the aggregate score tied, which benefits them because of their higher regular-season ranking.

That means there would be no extra time or penalty shootout if the series stays level after 180 minutes. Instead, Gabriel Milito‘s men would automatically move on to the final thanks to their better placement in the standings.

This scenario puts all the pressure on Cruz Azul entering the second leg. La Maquina cannot afford another draw and must push for a victory away from home, while Chivas can approach the match more patiently.

What happens if Chivas lose to Cruz Azul today?

If Chivas lose to Cruz Azul today, Cruz Azul will advance to the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final. Any victory for La Maquina in the second leg would give them the aggregate lead and eliminate Guadalajara from the tournament.

Because the first leg finished 2-2, Joel Huiqui‘s team only needs to win by one goal to secure qualification. Results like 1-0, 2-1 or 3-2 would all be enough for the Mexico City side to reach the final.

Even though Chivas have the advantage of the standings, those points only matter if the aggregate score remains tied. A Cruz Azul win would erase their seeding advantage entirely because the series would no longer be level.

How to watch Chivas vs Cruz Azul in the USA

Fans in the United States will have several ways to watch this highly anticipated showdown live. Those looking to stream the action online can tune in through DirecTV Stream or Peacock, both of which will provide live coverage from start to finish.

Viewers who prefer a traditional television broadcast can catch the game on Telemundo or Universo as the networks bring every key moment of this marquee matchup to the screen.

Can I watch Chivas vs Cruz Azul for free?

Soccer fans across the United States will be able to stream this exciting showdown live through DirecTV Stream, which is currently offering a free access period for eligible new subscribers.

Viewers who don’t want to miss a second of the matchup can use the service’s 5-day trial to enjoy the full live coverage at no upfront cost before the limited-time promotion comes to an end.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The opening leg between these longtime rivals delivered exactly the kind of drama expected from two of the top sides in the Liga MX season, with the 2-2 result setting the stage for a decisive and highly anticipated return match.

Chivas Guadalajara will have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, but the margin for error remains razor-thin against a dangerous Cruz Azul squad that has consistently shown it can rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments.

With a spot in the final on the line, the semifinal remains completely up for grabs heading into the second leg.

Chivas vs Cruz Azul: Predicted Lineups

Cruz Azul (5-3-2): Kevin Mier; Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Omar Campos; Amaury García, Charly Rodríguez, Agustín Palavecino, José Paradela, Carlos Rotondi; Christian Ebere, Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Chivas (3-5-2): Óscar Whalley; José Castillo, Diego Campillo, Miguel Tapias; Richard Ledezma, Santiago Sandoval, Fernando González, Omar Govea, Efraín Álvarez; Ricardo Marín, Ángel Sepúlveda.

What time is the Chivas vs Cruz Azul match?

The game will take place today, May 16, at 9:05 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 9:05 PM
Central Time: 8:05 PM
Mountain Time: 7:05 PM
Pacific Time: 6:05 PM

The opening half started with both teams creating dangerous chances before Chivas took the lead through Sandoval after a rebound inside the box. Cruz Azul responded quickly thanks to a surprisingly long-range effort from Bryan Gonzalez that caught the goalkeeper off guard. The match then became increasingly physical, with several yellow cards and constant fouls interrupting the rhythm.

In the second half, Chivas regained the advantage after a perfect cross from Miguel Gomez found Angel Sepulveda inside the box. Cruz Azul answered once again after Christian Ebere converted a penalty following a VAR review. Both teams pushed until the final minutes, but neither side managed to find the winning goal, leaving the series wide open heading into the second leg.

How to watch Cruz Azul vs Chivas in the USA

Fans eager to stream this highly anticipated showdown live can catch every minute of the action on DirecTV Stream, which will provide complete online coverage of the matchup from start to finish.

Viewers who prefer traditional television broadcasts can tune in on TUDN, where the game will also be available with full live coverage of this marquee event.

Can I watch Cruz Azul vs Chivas for free?

Fans in the United States can watch this matchup live on DirecTV Stream, currently available as a free viewing option for new users.

Those looking to follow every moment of the action can take advantage of the platform’s 5-day free trial before the promotional period expires. The offer gives viewers the chance to access the live broadcast and explore the service without any immediate charge. Follow our liveblog of Cruz Azul vs Chivas for minute-by-minute updates!

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

A spot in the final is on the line as fierce rivals Chivas Guadalajara and Cruz Azul collide in what shapes up to be a must-watch showdown after both clubs delivered impressive regular-season campaigns.

Chivas survived a dramatic quarterfinal battle against Tigres UANL, advancing on seeding advantage after a thrilling 3-3 aggregate draw, while Cruz Azul cruised past Atlas with 3-2 and 1-0 victories to secure a 4-2 aggregate triumph.

With the pressure rising and a berth in the championship series within reach, both sides head into this clash knowing the intensity — and the stakes — have only gotten bigger. A win, tie or loss will have different implications for Chivas and Cruz Azul.

Cruz Azul vs Chivas: Predicted Lineups

Cruz Azul (4-2-3-1): Kevin Mier; Jorge Rodarte, Gonzalo Piovi, Willer Ditta, Omar Campos; Agustin Palavecino, Carlos Rodríguez; Carlos Rotondi, Amaury Garcia, Jose Paradela; Gabriel Fernandez.

Chivas (3-4-2-1): Oscar Whalley; Diego Campillo, Bryan Gonzalez, Jose Castillo; Richard Ledezma, Omar Govea, Fernando Gonzalez; Santiago Sandoval; Angel Sepulveda, Efrain Alvarez; Ricardo Martin.

What time is the Cruz Azul vs Chivas match?

The game will take place today, May 13, at 10:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 10:00 PM
Central Time: 9:00 PM
Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
Pacific Time: 7:00 PM

The first leg, scheduled for Wednesday night at Estadio Banorte, will begin at 10 PM ET / 7 PM PT in the United States and opens a series between two of the biggest clubs in Mexican soccer.

The structure of the Liga MX semifinals adds even more pressure to every result in the opening leg. Unlike a single-elimination match, the series will be decided across two games, with aggregate score determining who advances to the final.

What happens if Chivas beat Cruz Azul today?

If Chivas beat Cruz Azul today, Guadalajara will take a first-leg advantage into the second match of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 semifinals and move one step closer to the final. Since this is a two-leg semifinal series, a victory would put them in control before the return game.

Chivas finished the regular season as one of the top teams in Liga MX, ending with 36 points and securing one of the highest seeds. That strong regular-season performance is especially important because Liga MX uses seeding as the tiebreaker if the aggregate score is level after both semifinal matches.

For Gabriel Milito’s squad, beating Cruz Azul would significantly increase the club’s chances of reaching its first Liga MX final since the Clausura 2023 tournament. Chivas are also chasing what would be their first league title since the Clausura 2017 season.

What happens if Chivas and Cruz Azul tie today?

If Chivas and Cruz Azul tie today, the semifinal would remain completely open heading into the second leg. Because Liga MX semifinals are decided by aggregate score over two matches, any draw in the first game would leave qualification to the final unresolved.

A 0-0 draw would likely favor Chivas slightly because Guadalajara finished above Cruz Azul in the regular-season standings. Under Liga MX rules, if the aggregate score is tied after both legs, the higher-seeded team advances automatically. Chivas ended the Clausura with 36 points, while Cruz Azul finished with 33.

However, a scoring draw such as 1-1 or 2-2 would give Cruz Azul confidence heading into the return match, especially considering La Maquina have been one of the strongest attacking teams remaining in the playoffs.

What happens if Chivas lose to Cruz Azul today?

If Chivas lose to Cruz Azul today, Guadalajara would need a comeback in the second leg to avoid elimination. A first-leg defeat would hand momentum and the aggregate advantage to La Maquina before the decisive match.

Cruz Azul arrive in strong form after eliminating Atlas in the quarterfinals with a 4-2 aggregate victory. The club has responded well under interim coach Joel Huiqui, who took over late in the season and immediately stabilized the team entering the playoffs.

With just one victory in their last six matches and very sensitive absences due to Mexico call-ups that also generated serious conflicts, the schedule tells Guadalajara that it is time to react.

What Chivas did during the first part of the tournament will mean very little if they do not show a strong version tonight to defeat a Tigres side motivated after advancing to the Concachampions final, although with significant accumulated fatigue.

What happens if Chivas win vs Tigres?

Something important to keep in mind is that Chivas will not only need to defeat Tigres tonight, but also do so by at least a two-goal margin. For example, scores such as 2-0 or 3-1 would give Guadalajara qualification, and they will need to protect their goal because otherwise the comeback would become even more complicated. This is because a tie on aggregate favors the team better positioned in the standings, in this case, Chivas.

What happens if Chivas and Tigres tie?

After losing by two goals in the first leg, it is clear that a draw will not be enough for Chivas to keep their hopes alive in the Liga MX Clausura 2026. However, they must not lose their composure and need to remember they have 90 minutes to turn the story around.

What happens if Chivas lose against Tigres?

Of course, in the worst-case scenario, another defeat would condemn Chivas to a heavy aggregate elimination against Tigres UANL. Details to keep in mind: If Tigres score one goal, Chivas will need to score three; if Tigres score two goals, Chivas will need to score four; if Tigres score three goals, Chivas will need to score five.

If Chivas lose to Tigres in the second leg at Estadio Akron, Guadalajara will need to win by two goals to tie the aggregate score, as they would advance to the next round after finishing higher in the overall standings.

On Tuesday night, reports emerged that Toluca would have Alexis Vega and Jesus Gallardo back for their Concacaf Champions Cup match against LAFC. This development sparked a firestorm because Mexico, who recently drew 1-1 with Belgium, had already called up several Liga MX players, including Vega and Gallardo, for World Cup preparations. While teams initially agreed to release players despite the ongoing Liga MX Playoffs, Toluca’s sudden ability to reclaim their stars for a specific match triggered a heated dispute among other club owners.

Chivas owner Amaury Vergara responded by indicating that his players, who were scheduled to report to the National Team on Wednesday, should also be allowed back to face Tigres in the Leg 2 quarterfinal on Saturday, calling them immediately back to Guadalajara. Just hours later, the Mexican National Team issued a stern ultimatum: if any called-up players do not report to the training camp by Wednesday at 10:00 PM (ET), they will be officially excluded from the World Cup roster.

Toluca found a loophole in the agreement

Initially, the FMF established a list of Liga MX players required for the final preparation phase before the World Cup. El Tricolor indicated that while many were called to camp, not all would make the final cut, creating tension regarding which players were truly essential. Liga MX clubs that agreed to release players mid-Playoffs did so under the understanding that those players were virtually guaranteed a spot on the final list; otherwise, losing them during a title run would be senseless.

However, Toluca exploited a specific loophole in the paperwork. While the agreement between Liga MX and the FMF focused on player availability for the domestic Playoffs, Toluca are currently competing in both the Liguilla and the Concacaf Champions Cup. Toluca successfully argued for the return of Vega and Gallardo specifically for the international match against LAFC, rather than their local series against Pachuca, a distinction that caught the FMF off guard.

This technicality has made the situation incredibly complicated. Chivas, currently releasing five players to the National Team, argue they should have the same right to use their stars against Tigres. However, the FMF views the situations differently because Toluca refrained from using Vega or Gallardo in their domestic quarterfinal against Pachuca, whereas Chivas are requesting them for Liga MX play.

With only hours remaining before the 10:00 PM deadline, the Chivas players called to the National Team were reportedly still in Guadalajara as of Wednesday morning. While they could theoretically travel to report to Javier Aguirre’s camp before the cutoff, the tension is high. It remains to be seen if Aguirre will follow through on his threat to drop anyone who misses the deadline from the World Cup squad.

An opportunity opens for Guillermo Ochoa

Jose Raul “Tala” Rangel is currently the frontrunner to be Mexico’s starting goalkeeper in the World Cup. The problem is that Rangel is one of the five Chivas players currently in Guadalajara. If he fails to arrive at the National Team concentration by Wednesday night, he risks being left out of the tournament entirely.

If Rangel is excluded, a massive opportunity emerges for Guillermo Ochoa. The veteran, who is already set to appear in a record-breaking sixth World Cup, would find a much easier path to the final roster. Without Rangel in the picture, Memo could move from a mentor role back into the conversation for the starting spot on June 11.

[Watch Tigres UANL vs Chivas in the USA on Fubo]

One of the most intriguing matchups of the Liga MX quarterfinals is set as Chivas Guadalajara and Tigres UANL meet in a clash filled with title aspirations despite their contrasting regular-season form.

Chivas come in strong after finishing just one goal behind Pumas UNAM for first place, while Tigres UANL lean on their proven ability to deliver in knockout scenarios, setting the stage for a tightly contested battle with a semifinal spot at stake.

When will the Tigres UANL vs Chivas match be played?

Tigres UANL play against Chivas in the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 quarterfinals this Saturday, May 2. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM (ET).

Tigres UANL vs Chivas: Time by State in the USA

ET: 9:00 PM
CT: 8:00 PM
MT: 7:00 PM
PT: 6:00 PM

How to watch Tigres UANL vs Chivas in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Tigres UANL and Chivas will be available for viewers in the United States on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, Peacock Premium, Telemundo, Universo and FOX Deportes.

By Chivas winning, losing or tying, it just sets the tone for the second leg. Guadalajara were second on the Clausura table, hence, they close the series at home. This means, in case of a tie on aggregate score, Chivas goes through thanks to them being higher in the table.

So, if they win, they close it out at home with the advantage. If they lose, they get a home game to make a comeback. Finally, if they draw, it’s a matter of avoid losing at home and they’ll progress through to the semis.

Chivas come in mild form after Clausura 2026 regular season finale

After being one of the best teams during the regular season, Chivas had a bad end to the regular season, only winning once, losing once, and tying three times. Hence, it’s not like the team comes in its best shape.

Tigres are not precisely elite either. They won twice and drew twice in their last four games. While Chivas scored 33 goals and conceded 17, Tigres scored 28 and conceded 18. Chivas are favored, but both teams need to find their best form if they want to go through.

Chivas vs Tigres head to head record

Both teams faced off on Matchday 14 of Liga MX Clausura 2026, and Tigres actually thrashed Chivas 4-1. That is a bad precedent for Chivas as they visit Tigres in the first leg.

Historically though, Tigres are also leading the head to head. In 66 games, Tigres have won 24 to Guadalajara’s 19. There’s also been 23 draws. Chivas will face the weight of recent and historic deficit against Tigres.

[Watch Necaxa vs Chivas online in the US on Fubo]

With the postseason picture tightening, this matchup carries serious weight—especially for Chivas, who sit atop the standings with 34 points but haven’t mathematically locked up the No. 1 seed. The path is clear: win their final two games and the top spot is theirs, no help needed.

Standing in the way are Necaxa, a team on the brink with just 17 points and barely clinging to playoff hopes. Their margin for error is gone, meaning this is essentially a must-win if they want to keep any chance alive.

When will the Necaxa vs Chivas match be played?

Necaxa play against Chivas in the Matchday 16 of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 this Wednesday, April 21. Kickoff is scheduled for 11:00 PM (ET).

Necaxa vs Chivas: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:00 PM
CT: 10:00 PM
MT: 9:00 PM
PT: 8:00 PM

How to watch Necaxa vs Chivas in the USA

This Liga MX clash between Necaxa and Chivas will be available for viewers in the USA on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, CBS Sports Network, Univision and TUDN.