The semifinal will be decided in the return leg this Sunday at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, where América will host Cruz Azul.
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Cruz Azul edged Club América 1-0 in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 semifinalIgnacio Rivero scored for André Jardine was sent off for protesting the referee’s decisionsFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Cruz Azul edged Club América 1-0 in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 semifinal, played at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Ignacio Rivero scored the decisive goal in the 59th minute, giving an important advantage heading into the second leg.
Following the defeat, América striker Henry Martín addressed the media in the mixed zone and conveyed confidence within the squad about mounting a comeback.
“You can never count América out,” said Martín. “I think we’re more alive than ever. We’ve come back from tough moments before, and we believe we can do it again.”
One of the most debated incidents of the match was a potential handball by Erik Lira. Martín admitted that on the pitch it seemed like a hand, but the team hadn’t reviewed the footage.
“I haven’t seen the video yet,” he said. “On the field, everything happens so fast. It looked like a hand to all of us, and that’s why we protested. But I don’t know if it was actually punishable — I’d need to see it again.”
The match was heated, and tensions flared at times. América head coach André Jardine was ejected from the sidelines for protesting refereeing decisions. Martín downplayed the incident, attributing it to the emotions of the moment.
“It was just part of the heat of the game,” he said. “I didn’t see exactly what happened — I was with Fidalgo — but nothing serious. The team remains strong, and we’ll fight just as hard in the second leg.”
América struggled to convert chances, but Martín was not discouraged by the lack of goals.
“These things happen,” he said. “It would be more worrying if we weren’t creating chances at all.”
With Jardine ejected, assistant coach Paulo Rodrigues took over postmatch media duties. He acknowledged Cruz Azul’s strength and the fine margins that decided the game.
“Matches against Cruz Azul are always intense, very even in terms of chances,” said Rodrigues. “This one came down to a set-piece. We pushed hard with the man advantage late on, but they defended well in a deep block. Now we prepare to turn it around at home.”
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Vicente Sánchez and Cruz Azul have now gone 19 matches unbeaten, firmly establishing themselves as the most in-form team of the Liguilla. However, the narrow 1-0 win offers little comfort. América, despite the loss, would advance to the Clausura 2025 final with a one-goal victory in the second leg, thanks to their higher seeding — keeping their dream of a historic four-peat alive.
Will América pull off the comeback and continue their dominance in Liga MX playoffs, or will La Máquina finally break the azulcrema stronghold and book their place in the final?
Getty Images SportWHAT VICENTE SÁNCHEZ SAID
Cruz Azul manager Sánchez praised his squad for their effort and execution in a tough and tactical match. Rivero's goal, which came off a set piece, proved to be the game-winner in a contest defined by narrow margins.
“We went out from the first minute to win it,” said Sánchez in his post-match press conference. “These playoff matches are always tight. It’s a clásico, and we were able to preserve our unbeaten home record, which means a lot to us and to our fans who’ve been behind us all season.”
Sánchez also addressed the red card issued to Rivero in the second half for a challenge on Álvaro Fidalgo. Despite going down to ten men, Cruz Azul maintained their composure and structure.
“The team reacted well and managed to hold on to the lead,” he explained. “This group has great depth and character. Now we’ll start preparing for the return leg.”
With Thursday’s victory, Sánchez extended his undefeated streak with Cruz Azul to 19 matches, tying the club record held by Juan Reynoso, who last led the team to a title in 2021.
“It’s nice to be part of history,” Sánchez admitted. “We work hard every single day to improve. This streak is a small gift for the fans and our families, but our focus remains the same — to win and give everything for this club.”
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA AND CRUZ AZUL?
The semifinal will be decided in the return leg this Sunday at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, where América will host Cruz Azul, aiming to overturn the one-goal deficit and secure a spot in the Clausura 2025 final — with hopes of claiming a fourth consecutive league title.