The Liga MX playoffs just got real. After 90 minutes of relentless pressure, missed chances, and defensive grit, Chivas de Guadalajara and Cruz Azul played out a 0-0 stalemate in the first leg of their Apertura 2025 Liguilla quarterfinal — a result that feels more like a setup than a conclusion. The match, held on Thursday, November 27, 2025, at Estadio AKRON in Zapopan, Jalisco, ended with no goals but plenty of tension, setting the stage for a nerve-wracking second leg in the heart of Mexico City.
Two Giants, One Stalemate
This wasn’t just another playoff clash. It was a clash of identities. Chivas de Guadalajara, known as the Rebaño Sagrado, stands as the last bastion of Mexican-only talent in a league increasingly filled with international stars. Under Argentine coach Gabriel Milito, they’ve surged in form — winning seven of their last eight league matches — and finished sixth with 29 points after 17 games. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul, the working-class emblem of Mexico City and a club with a storied history tied to the Cemento Cruz Azul cooperative, came in third with 33 points. They’d already beaten Chivas 2-1 in their regular-season meeting back in August, with goals from José Paradela and Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi.But on Thursday, neither side broke through. The atmosphere was electric — 42,000 fans packed Estadio AKRON, a sea of red and white chanting until the final whistle. There were moments that could’ve changed everything: a brilliant chance for Chivas’ Armando González in the 22nd minute, saved by Cruz Azul’s keeper in a one-on-one. Then, at the 86th minute, a header from Marquez sailed just wide, leaving fans gasping. "What a chance for Chivas," one commentator said. "And what a missed opportunity for history."
Streaming Wars and Broadcast Realities
If you wanted to watch this game live, you had to pay. In Mexico, Amazon Prime Video held exclusive rights — no free-to-air broadcast, not even on Televisa or TV Azteca. That’s a major shift from just five years ago, when national networks carried these clashes. "Chivas’ home games remain exclusive to Amazon Prime Video," confirmed Soy Futbol, underscoring how streaming has reshaped Mexican football’s access model.In the U.S., the options were limited but clear: UNIVERSO and Peacock Premium offered Spanish-language coverage, while fuboTV and DirecTV Stream carried the feed too. Peacock’s $5.99/month subscription remains the most affordable gateway for American fans, though many still complain about the lack of English commentary.
The Second Leg: A High-Stakes Math Problem
Here’s the cold, hard math: Cruz Azul, with home advantage at Estadio Azteca, needs only a draw or a win on Sunday, November 30, to advance. Chivas? They need to win by two goals — no more, no less. A 1-0 win sends it to extra time. A 2-1 win? That’s the sweet spot. Any other scoreline, and the road ends in Mexico City.That’s the pressure. Chivas’ attack — led by Roberto Alvarado, Efraín Álvarez, and Armando González — must suddenly transform from a counterattacking unit into a relentless offensive machine. Milito’s side has scored 13 goals in their last five matches, but Cruz Azul’s defense, anchored by veteran Diego Campillo (who scored in the August win), has conceded just four goals in their last seven.
"It’s not about fear," Milito said after the match. "It’s about belief. We’ve come this far. We know what we’re capable of."
Historical Weight and Cultural Divide
This rivalry isn’t just about points. It’s about legacy. Chivas, founded in 1906, still refuses to sign foreign players — a policy that’s become a badge of honor. Cruz Azul, founded in 1927 by workers at the Cemento Cruz Azul plant, represents the urban proletariat. Their clashes have always been more than football. In 2001, their Liguilla final drew over 120,000 fans to Estadio Azteca. In 2013, a brawl in the stands led to a five-year ban on away fans.Now, in 2025, the stakes are higher than ever. The winner advances to the semifinals, scheduled between December 3 and December 7, with the final set for December 14. But for now, all eyes are on Sunday night in Mexico City.
What’s Next?
The second leg kicks off Sunday, November 30, at 8:00 PM local time (9:00 PM ET) at Estadio Azteca. In the U.S., it will be broadcast live on Univision and TUDN. For Chivas fans, it’s do-or-die. For Cruz Azul, it’s about closing the door. And for neutral fans? It’s a classic Mexican football drama — raw, emotional, and utterly unpredictable.Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Chivas’ 0-0 draw with Cruz Azul so significant?
The 0-0 result means Chivas must win the second leg by two goals to advance directly to the semifinals — a tall task against a strong Cruz Azul side at home. Any smaller win sends the match to extra time, and a draw or loss for Chivas eliminates them. The result flips the script: Cruz Azul now controls the tie, while Chivas must take risks they’ve avoided all season.
Why can’t I watch Chivas vs Cruz Azul on free TV in Mexico?
Since 2023, Amazon Prime Video has held exclusive broadcast rights to all Chivas home games in Mexico, ending decades of free-to-air coverage on Televisa or TV Azteca. This shift reflects the league’s move toward subscription-based revenue, which has increased player salaries but reduced access for lower-income fans. Only away games and finals are still broadcast nationally.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Chivas, look to Efraín Álvarez — the 21-year-old playmaker who’s scored four goals in his last five games — and Armando González, who’s been the team’s most consistent striker. For Cruz Azul, keep an eye on Diego Campillo, their defensive anchor, and José Paradela, whose pace on the counter could exploit Chivas’ high line. Both teams rely heavily on midfield control, so Omar Govea and Fernando González will be critical.
What’s the history between Chivas and Cruz Azul in knockout matches?
They’ve met in seven playoff series since 1997, with Cruz Azul winning four and Chivas two. Their most famous clash was the 2001 Liguilla final, where Cruz Azul won 3-2 on aggregate after a dramatic 2-1 win at Estadio Azteca. Chivas’ last playoff win over Cruz Azul came in 2013, when they advanced 4-3 on penalties after a 2-2 draw. The psychological edge has swung back and forth — but home advantage has always mattered.
How does this match affect Chivas’ policy of only using Mexican players?
The pressure to perform in high-stakes matches like this reinforces Chivas’ commitment to their identity. While rivals like Cruz Azul and Tigres sign international stars, Chivas’ success under Milito proves that homegrown talent can compete at the highest level. But it’s also a gamble — if they lose this tie, criticism may grow louder over whether their policy limits their competitiveness in a globalized league.
What’s at stake beyond the semifinals?
The winner advances to face either Club América or Pumas UNAM in the semifinals, with the ultimate prize being the Apertura 2025 title — and a direct berth in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. For Chivas, it’s a chance to end a 13-year title drought. For Cruz Azul, it’s a shot at redemption after their 2021 final loss to Tigres, which still haunts their fanbase. This isn’t just about advancing — it’s about legacy.