Cruz Azul Starts Strong and Stuns León
In a thrilling first leg of the Clausura 2025 quarterfinals, Cruz Azul defeated León 3–2 at the Estadio León. Despite missing Colombian star James Rodríguez due to suspension, the visitors struck fast and hard.
Ignacio Rivero opened the scoring in the 14th minute with a clinical left-footed strike from an Ángel Sepúlveda assist. Just five minutes later, Andrés Montaño doubled the lead with a smooth finish following a quick counterattack led by Rotondi.
León Fights Back but Cruz Azul Keeps Control
León pulled one back at minute 29 through Sebastián Santos, capitalizing on a goalkeeping error by Kevin Mier. But Cruz Azul responded quickly—Montaño scored again in the 41st, this time assisted by Carlos Rodríguez, to restore the two-goal cushion.
Just one minute into the second half, Iván Moreno brought León closer with a powerful goal off a Steven Mendoza pass, making it 3–2.
Red Card Drama, But Cruz Azul Holds the Line
The game took a turn when Adonis Frías was sent off, forcing Cruz Azul to play with ten men. León pushed for the equalizer, but the visitors held strong to take a crucial lead back to Mexico City.
Tigres and Necaxa in Stalemate
In another quarterfinal clash, Tigres and Necaxa drew 0–0 in Aguascalientes. Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán starred in his 500th match, stopping multiple chances from Paradela and Cambindo.
