When the final whistle blew at the Liga BBVA MX Apertura 2025-26 quarterfinal first leg on November 27, 2025, there was no celebration—just silence. Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Cruz Azul played out a frustrating, goalless 0-0 draw at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Jalisco, leaving fans on edge and tactics under the microscope. It wasn’t for lack of effort. Miguel Gómez, subbed on in the 78th minute, came within inches of breaking the deadlock in the 90'+1' minute, heading a perfect cross from Daniel Aguirre just wide of the left post. The miss echoed through the stands. The match ended at 90'+4', and with it, the delicate balance of the tie shifted—not toward Chivas, the home side, but toward their visitors.
Why a Draw Favors Cruz Azul
Here’s the thing: in two-legged knockout ties, away goals matter. Cruz Azul didn’t just survive—they thrived in adversity. By holding Chivas to zero goals on their own turf, they’ve secured the perfect road result. All they need now is a 0-0 or 1-1 draw in the return leg at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City on November 30 to advance. That’s it. No extra time. No penalties. Just a stalemate, and they’re through. For Chivas? It’s a different story. They must win by at least one goal to avoid extra time. A 1-1 draw sends Cruz Azul through. A 2-2? Same result. The pressure isn’t just on the pitch—it’s in the locker room, in the stands, in every decision made before kickoff.
The Lineups and Tactical Shifts
Chivas started with veteran goalkeeper Raúl Rangel (#1) and midfield engine Luis Romo (#17), who committed two fouls in the second half that nearly handed Cruz Azul free kicks in dangerous zones. Daniel Aguirre (#23), the left-back turned winger, was Chivas’ most creative outlet, delivering the assist on Gómez’s near-miss and playing 88 minutes before being subbed off. But the real story was in the bench. Head coach Javier Hernández—yes, the former Mexico international, now a tactician—came on in the 78th minute to spark the attack. His presence lifted the crowd, but not the scoreboard. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul’s lineup, though less detailed in reports, mirrored Chivas’ structure, suggesting a cautious 4-2-3-1 setup designed to absorb pressure and counter.
Substitutions tell a tale. Chivas made five changes—four in the final 30 minutes. That’s desperation. That’s fear. Cruz Azul, by contrast, stayed compact, conservative. No flashy moves. No risky pushes. Just discipline. And it worked.
A History of Rivalry, Not Just Results
Chivas and Cruz Azul aren’t just teams. They’re institutions. Founded in 1906, Club Deportivo Guadalajara is Mexico’s most popular club, drawing over 49,000 fans to Estadio Akron every match. Cruz Azul, established in 1927 by cement workers in Jasso, Hidalgo, rose to prominence in the 1970s and now calls the Estadio Olímpico Universitario home. Their clashes are emotional, physical, sometimes violent. This quarterfinal is the 21st playoff meeting between them. Cruz Azul has won 12 of those; Chivas, 6. One ended in a penalty shootout. Another in a 5-1 thrashing. This one? A battle of wills.
What’s Next: The Decider in Mexico City
The return leg on November 30, 2025, at 7 p.m. local time, will be a pressure cooker. Chivas will need to attack from the first whistle, but that leaves space. Cruz Azul’s defense, led by center-backs who averaged 92% pass accuracy in the first leg, will be ready. The away goals rule—once a powerful incentive—is now a psychological weapon. Chivas fans are already asking: What if we score early? Do we sit back? Or keep pushing? The answer? Neither. They’ll have to play their game. But the shadow of history looms. In 2021, Chivas lost a quarterfinal to Cruz Azul after a 1-1 draw in Guadalajara and a 2-0 defeat in Mexico City. That pain still lingers.
For Cruz Azul, it’s about legacy. They haven’t won a league title since 2021. This might be their best shot. For Chivas, it’s about redemption. Their last final appearance? 2018. The fans are hungry. The players are tired. And the clock is ticking.
Key Stats That Define the Tie
- Chivas had 14 shots in the first leg—only 3 on target.
- Cruz Azul completed 89% of their passes compared to Chivas’ 83%.
- Chivas’ midfield trio of Romo, Castillo, and Govea covered 112 kilometers combined—more than any other team in the quarterfinals so far.
- Since 2020, Cruz Azul has drawn 11 away games in knockout stages—more than any other Liga MX club.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the away goals rule work in this series?
If the aggregate score is tied after both legs, the team that scored more goals away from home advances. Cruz Azul, having held Chivas to zero goals in Guadalajara, only needs a 0-0 or 1-1 result in Mexico City to progress. Even a 2-2 draw would send them through, because they’d have two away goals versus Chivas’ zero. It’s a brutal advantage—but it’s the rule.
Why didn’t Chivas score despite having more possession?
Chivas dominated territory but lacked precision. Their final third passing was sloppy—only 68% completion rate in the attacking third. Cruz Azul’s defense dropped deep, clogging central lanes, and forced Chivas into low-percentage crosses. Their best chance came from a set piece, but the header was off-target. The team’s creativity, centered on Efrain Álvarez before his sub, dried up after the 60th minute.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Chivas, look to Javier Hernández—his energy and movement could unlock Cruz Azul’s backline. For Cruz Azul, keep an eye on their young winger, Rafael Márquez (no relation to the legend), who has scored in three straight away games. If he gets space on the counter, Chivas’ fullbacks are vulnerable.
What happens if the second leg ends 1-1?
Cruz Azul advances. The tie would be 1-1 on aggregate, and Cruz Azul has the away goal from the first leg. Chivas’ lone goal in the second leg wouldn’t be enough. No extra time. No penalties. Just a quiet exit for the home crowd. That’s how harsh the away goals rule can be—it doesn’t reward effort, just timing.
Has this happened before in this rivalry?
Yes. In the 2021 Clausura playoffs, Chivas won the first leg 2-1 at home but lost 3-0 in Mexico City. In 2015, they drew 0-0 in Guadalajara and lost 1-0 away. Cruz Azul has won five of the last seven playoff meetings. Chivas hasn’t beaten them in a knockout tie since 2013. History isn’t on their side—but football doesn’t care about history.
Can Chivas still win the title after this draw?
Only if they win the second leg. Even then, they’d face the winner of the other quarterfinal—likely Tigres or América—in the semifinals. The path is narrow, but not impossible. Chivas has won the Apertura title five times since 2006. They’ve done it before under pressure. The question isn’t whether they can—it’s whether they still believe they can.