Cruz Azul Advanced to the Championship

By Alonso Contreras

Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico CityDate: [Insert Date]Competition: Liga MX Clausura

In a dramatic and fiercely contested clash at Estadio Azteca, Cruz Azul edged past Tigres UANL 1–0 thanks to a second-half penalty from Ángel Sepúlveda. The match was a tactical chess game full of physical duels, VAR drama, and gritty midfield battles, ultimately decided by a moment of composure from the spot.

First Half – Tight Tactics and Missed Opportunities

From the opening whistle, both sides showed urgency. Tigres were first to threaten, with Juan Brunetta firing wide from long distance in just the 1st minute. Moments later, Jesús Angulo tested Kevin Mier, forcing a top-corner save that led to a corner for Tigres.

Cruz Azul responded with waves of pressure through Ignacio Rivero and Gabriel Fernández, but neither could find the target. Fernández had to come off early due to injury and was replaced by Mateusz Bogusz in the 36th minute. The best chance for La Máquina in the first half came in the 27th minute when Rivero’s header from a Sánchez cross forced Nahuel Guzmán into a flying save.

Tigres, for their part, were aggressive but inconsistent in the final third. Nicolás Ibáñez and Sebastián Córdova both spurned decent opportunities. The first half concluded scoreless, but not without intensity, with both Aquino and Faravelli shown yellow cards before the break.

Second Half – Penalty Drama and Defensive Resolve

The second half picked up with even more intensity. Within minutes, Carlos Rotondi and Bogusz had efforts blocked and saved. Tigres nearly struck first when Córdova unleashed a rocket that forced a low save from Mier in the 49th minute.

Cruz Azul were growing into the match, with Sepúlveda and Rivero linking well. A golden opportunity arrived in the 70th minute, but Rivero’s shot was parried away smartly by Guzmán.

Then came the game-changing moment. In the 77th minute, Marcelo Flores handled the ball inside the area following a goalmouth scramble. After a VAR check, a penalty was awarded. Ángel Sepúlveda, calm under pressure, stepped up and buried it into the top-left corner for 1–0 in the 82nd minute.

Late Drama and Tigres Pressure

The closing stages were chaotic. Tigres threw bodies forward and forced multiple corners in stoppage time. Juan Brunetta fired wide and Joaquim missed a header that could’ve stolen a point. But the Cruz Azul defense, led by Willer Ditta and Jesús Orozco, stood tall.

Tensions ran high in the dying minutes with yellow cards issued to Juan Vigón, Diego Rubio, and Griffin Dorsey as Tigres' frustration mounted. Despite 10 minutes of added time, Tigres couldn’t find a breakthrough.

🔑 Key Performers

• Ángel Sepúlveda (Cruz Azul): Composed finish from the penalty spot and constant threat in attack.

• Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul): Made crucial saves, especially early on, to preserve the clean sheet.

• Juan Brunetta (Tigres): Tigres' most active playmaker, though his finishing lacked accuracy.

Match Stats Snapshot

• Goals: Cruz Azul 1 (Sepúlveda 82’ pen) – Tigres 0

• Shots (on target): Cruz Azul 10 (5) – Tigres 9 (3)

• Possession: Evenly split (~50/50)

• Yellow Cards: Cruz Azul 3 – Tigres 4

• Corners: Cruz Azul 4 – Tigres 6

• Saves: Cruz Azul 3 – Tigres 4

Tactical Notes

• Cruz Azul operated in a fluid 4-2-3-1, with Faravelli anchoring the midfield and Rodríguez providing the transitional link.

• Tigres leaned heavily on wing play, especially through Aquino and Lainez, but their final balls lacked precision.

Final Whistle

In a contest of fine margins, Cruz Azul’s structure, discipline, and late composure proved decisive. The 1–0 win solidifies their position in the final for Champions League Cup, while Tigres are left to rue missed chances and a costly handball decision.