Carlos Rodriguez’s late goal sends Cruz Azul past Chivas in Liga MX 2025 Apertura playoffs: Highlights and goals (3-2)

Cruz Azul defeated Chivas in the Liga MX 2025 Apertura playoffs, with Carlos Rodriguez’s late-game goal sealing La Maquina’s spot in the semifinals.

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The match ends at Estadio Olimpico Universitario with Cruz Azul defeating Chivas. Thanks to Angel Marquez’s key play and late contributions from Carlos Rodriguez and Gabriel Fernandez, La Maquina advance to the Liga MX 2025 Apertura semifinals. Chivas fight valiantly but fall short, unable to overcome Cruz Azul’s defensive organization and timely counterattacks.

Cruz Azul strike again on a perfectly executed counterattack, exploiting the spaces left by Chivas as they pushed for an equalizer. Carlos Rodriguez finishes from outside the box, sending the ball over the goalkeeper, with an assist from Gabriel Fernandez.

The referee signals seven minutes of stoppage time. Every moment is crucial as both Cruz Azul and Chivas push for a decisive goal in the closing stages of this quarterfinal second leg.

It’s important to remember that a tie, regardless of the score, sends Chivas home. The 0–0 result from the first leg leaves them with no cushion, and Cruz Azul’s higher position in the table serves as the tiebreaker. For Chivas, a draw is effectively the same as elimination—even if they dominate possession or create more chances. The math is simple: if they don’t win, they are out.

Cruz Azul make a change as Angel Marquez comes off and Jorge Rodarte enters the match.

Chivas fail to take advantage of a golden opportunity as Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez sends the ball over the crossbar. Cruz Azul survive a critical moment, and the match remains level in this tense quarterfinal second leg.

Chivas are awarded a penalty after Jesus Orozco commits a foul in the box on Santiago Sandoval. The referee points to the spot, and the VAR review is likely to confirm the decision.

Chivas make three changes as Roberto Alvarado, Omar Govea, and Cade Cowell come off, replaced by Alan Pulido, Chicharito, and Santiago Sandoval.

The referee issues two yellow cards in quick succession. Jose Paradela receives a caution for a foul on Roberto Alvarado, while Erick Gutierrez of Chivas is booked for a challenge on Jesus Orozco.

Cruz Azul equalize after a slick passing sequence. Angel Marquez receives a precise ball from Carlos Rodriguez in the heart of the Chivas defense and fires a perfectly placed shot that proves impossible to stop. La Maquina are back on level terms in this thrilling quarterfinal clash.

Cruz Azul make two changes as Ignacio Rivero and Carlos Rotondi come off, replaced by Angel Sepulveda and Omar Campos. The adjustments aim to add fresh legs and inject new energy in their push for an equalizer.

Chivas are organized in a very compact defensive block, and Cruz Azul struggles to find a way through. Despite holding possession and attempting attacks, their moves lack depth and precision, leaving spaces for Chivas to launch dangerous counters at any moment.

Chivas make another change as Richard Ledezma comes off and Alan Mozo enters the field.

Chivas make a change as Efrain Alvarez comes off and Erick Gutierrez enters the match.

Cruz Azul continue to press, launching more organized attacks with greater depth, but they still struggle in the final touches and finishing. Chivas remain dangerous on the counter, with Cade Cowell lurking and ready to strike—he has already provided a warning in this second half.

Chivas escape a close call as Cruz Azul mount a brilliant counterattack. A slick combination between Paradela and Fernandez opens up the chance, but the visitors’ defense holds firm, blocking Fernandez’s shot and keeping their lead intact.

Before the restart of the second half, Cruz Azul make two substitutions: Lorenzo Faravelli and Gonzalo Piovi come off, replaced by Jorge Sanchez and Jesus Orozco.

The teams are back on the field as the second half kicks off at Estadio Olimpico Universitario. Chivas look to maintain their lead, while Cruz Azul will push for an equalizer to keep their semifinal hopes alive.

The first half comes to an end at Estadio Olimpico Universitario. Chivas take a deserved lead into the break after controlling large stretches of play, while Cruz Azul head to the locker room needing adjustments to stay alive in this quarterfinal second leg.

The fourth official signals two minutes of stoppage time to close out the first half. Chivas remain in control as Cruz Azul look to hold on heading into the break.

The stadium is exploding as Chivas maintain full control, and the crowd breaks into loud “Ole, ole, ole!” chants with every completed pass. It’s a tough moment for Cruz Azul, who are feeling the weight of the pressure and the momentum shifting heavily against them.

Chivas keep full control of the match, pushing Cruz Azul back with their intensity and quicker reactions. Bryan Gonzalez earns a dangerous free kick after being brought down by Erik Lira, but the set piece is ultimately wasted. Even so, the play reflects how determined Chivas are to protect their lead and push the pace.

Chivas regain the lead after a strong spell in which they looked sharper and better organized despite the earlier equalizer. Efrain Alvarez threads a smart pass into the middle of the box, where Cade Cowell controls and lays it off for Bryan Gonzalez, who finishes with his right foot. A well-constructed play puts the visitors back in front.

Chivas fail to capitalize on a promising corner delivered by Efrain Alvarez, as the play ends with a foul by Cade Cowell for dangerous play. The forward raised his boot too high, at head level, stopping the attack immediately.

The match continues at a relentless pace, with both teams fighting hard to control possession. The pressure grows with every duel, and the physicality is increasing across the field as Cruz Azul and Chivas refuse to give an inch.

The first yellow card of the night goes to Ignacio Rivero, who brings down Bryan Gonzalez on the left flank. The referee wastes no time showing the caution as the intensity continues to rise.

Chivas’ joy lasts only a moment as Cruz Azul answer immediately. After a quick ball recovery, Angel Marquez leads the counterattack and sends a sharp pass into the middle of the box, where Gabriel Fernandez finishes to bring La Maquina level. The match swings back to even in an instant.

Chivas strike first after a corner conceded by Ditta. The visitors execute a short-play routine, followed by a driven cross into the box, where Cade Cowell beats the Cruz Azul back line and finishes with his right foot. A massive early blow as Chivas take the lead in this decisive second leg.

The opening moments reveal Cruz Azul looking to capitalize on their home advantage, controlling possession and dictating the tempo. Chivas stay compact and patient, waiting for mistakes without losing their shape. It’s a cautious, tactical start from both sides as the quarterfinal tension settles in.

The second leg is officially rolling at Estadio Olimpico Universitario. Cruz Azul and Chivas waste no time settling in as both sides look to strike early in this decisive quarterfinal matchup.

Both teams are already on the field at Estadio Olimpico Universitario as Cruz Azul and Chivas line up for the national anthem. The atmosphere is building quickly with a semifinal berth on the line, and the players are moments away from kickoff.

The recent meetings between Cruz Azul and Chivas show a clear advantage for the cementeros, who have won four of the last five matchups: Chivas 0-0 Cruz Azul, Chivas 1-2 Cruz Azul, Chivas 0-1 Cruz Azul, Cruz Azul 1-0 Chivas, Cruz Azul 3-0 Chivas.

Cruz Azul step onto the field with Andres Gudino; Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Erik Lira, Lorenzo Faravelli, Nacho Rivero, Angel Marquez, Carlos Rodriguez, Jose Paradela, Carlos Rotondi, Gabriel Fernandez.

Chivas take the field with Raul Rangel; Bryan Gonzalez, Jose Castillo, Omar Govea, Efrain Alvarez, Luis Romo; Daniel Aguirre, Fernando Gonzalez, Richard Ledezma; Roberto Alvarado, Armando Gonzalez.

Estadio Olímpico Universitario stands as one of Mexico City's most historic sporting stages. Located inside Ciudad Universitaria, the venue was built in 1952 and, at the time, was the largest stadium in the country. It currently holds a capacity of 72,000 and has hosted major events throughout its history, including the 1955 Pan American Games.

As a notable detail ahead of tonight’s match, Cruz Azul signed an agreement with UNAM to use Estadio Olimpico de CU for both the 2025 Clausura and 2025 Apertura tournaments.

For this second leg of the Liga MX Apertura quarterfinals between Cruz Azul and Chivas, the league has assigned Daniel Quintero Huitron as the match official. This will be his third Cruz Azul assignment of the season — both previous games ended in wins for La Maquina — and his second overseeing Chivas, who also won under his direction. The stakes are high tonight, and Quintero Huitron will look to keep control in what promises to be an intense, tight matchup.

Referee crew:

• Central: Daniel Quintero Huitron
• Assistant 1: Jose Ibrahim Martinez Chavarria
• Assistant 2: Enrique Martinez Sandoval
• Fourth official: Maximiliano Quintero Hernandez

Cruz Azul vs Chivas will get underway at 8:00 PM ET (PT:5:00 PM)

Watch this Liga MX Apertura quarterfinal match between Cruz Azul and Chivas live in the USA on DirecTV Stream, Univision, TUDN and ViX.

Welcome to our live blog of the Liga MX Apertura quarterfinals second leg!

Cruz Azul host Chivas at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, with a spot in the semifinals on the line. The first leg ended in a 0-0 draw, giving Cruz Azul a slight advantage, but Chivas know a win today would send them through.

Stay with us for key updates, insights, and minute-by-minute coverage as both teams fight for a place in the semifinals!