Cruz Azul and Chivas Draw 0-0 in Playoff Tiebreaker at Estadio Akron

When the final whistle blew at Estadio Akron on Friday night, neither Club de Fútbol Cruz Azul nor Club Deportivo Guadalajara had scored a single goal — and yet, the tension in the air felt heavier than any goal could carry. The 0-0 draw in the first leg of the 2025 Apertura Liga MX Quarterfinals wasn’t just a stalemate; it was a declaration that this historic rivalry still holds its breath, still demands everything. With the second leg set for Sunday at Estadio Azteca, the stage is set for a winner-takes-all showdown in front of 80,000 screaming fans — and no one knows who’ll blink first.

The Match That Didn’t End

It wasn’t for lack of chances. In the third minute, CD Guadalajara nearly stunned the crowd when a curling cross from the left found a leaping forward — only for the ball to skid just wide. By the 8th minute, Cruz Azul had seized control, pressing high and forcing errors. Ángel Sepúlveda, their top scorer with 7 goals in 16 matches, unleashed a venomous strike in the 15th minute, but Guillermo Allison Castillo, Chivas’ veteran keeper, stretched like a cat to tip it over the bar. The home side had another golden opportunity in the 22nd, a one-on-one breakaway that fizzled as the attacker hesitated — a split-second of doubt that cost them dearly.

Yellow cards fluttered like fallen leaves: one in the 25th, another to Luis Romo in the 66th. Substitutions came in waves — Sebastián Sandoval replacing Alan González at the hour mark, Gastón Fernández coming on for Sepúlveda, Javier Hernández entering for Eduardo Álvarez. Each change felt like a gamble, a coach trying to find the spark that wouldn’t come. The crowd roared with every touch, every near-miss, every tackle that flew into the air. By the 88th minute, even the substitutes were on their feet, watching Juan Paradela limp off after a brutal challenge. The final whistle didn’t end the drama — it just paused it.

A Rivalry Rooted in Silence

This wasn’t just any playoff tie. It was the 52nd meeting between these two giants — and the first time since 2023 that neither side found the net. Historically, Cruz Azul holds the edge: 19 wins to Chivas’ 14 in 51 encounters, with a goal difference of 67-57. But stats don’t tell the whole story. In their last five meetings, Cruz Azul won four — including a 2-0 thrashing just weeks ago. Yet, on November 4, 2023, Chivas won 1-0 at home, snapping a six-match winless streak against their rivals. That result still echoes in the locker rooms.

What’s odd is how the script keeps flipping. When Cruz Azul plays at home — even at their own Estadio Azteca — they’ve drawn 12 of the last 25 meetings against Chivas. The most common scoreline? 1-1. It’s happened nine times. Six of those came in Mexico City. This 0-0 draw? It’s the first time since 2017 that neither team scored in a playoff clash between them. The silence speaks louder than any goal.

Who Holds the Keys?

For Chivas, the pressure is on Alan González, their 17-match, 12-goal striker who was pulled in the 62nd minute — a tactical move that backfired. He didn’t score, but his presence was the only thing keeping Cruz Azul’s defense honest. Without him, the attack looked lost. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul’s midfield engine, Luis Romo, was constantly harried. His yellow card in the 66th minute wasn’t just a caution — it was a warning. He’s suspended if they lose the second leg and he’s sent off.

The real story, though, is the goalkeepers. Guillermo Allison Castillo didn’t just make one save — he made five critical stops, including a fingertip parry in the 37th minute that deflected a rocket from Ángel Sepúlveda. On the other side, Cruz Azul’s keeper, Juan Paradela, had little to do — but when called upon, he was flawless. In a game with zero goals, the men between the posts became the heroes.

What’s Next: Estadio Azteca on Sunday

Sunday’s second leg at Estadio Azteca isn’t just a match — it’s a referendum on legacy. Cruz Azul holds home-field advantage, and betting odds reflect it: +100 for a Cruz Azul win, +260 for Chivas. That means a $100 bet on Cruz Azul returns $200; on Chivas, it’s $360. The over/under? 2.5 goals. The weather in Mexico City? 62°F, light northeasterly winds — perfect for football.

But here’s the twist: when Chivas lose the first leg 0-1 away, they win 66% of the time. When Cruz Azul lead 1-0 at home, they win 85%. Neither scenario applies. So now, it’s pure chaos. No safety net. No cushion. Just 90 minutes of raw, unfiltered pressure.

The Weight of History

This rivalry isn’t just about points. It’s about identity. Chivas is the people’s team — proud, traditional, unyielding. Cruz Azul is the machine — disciplined, relentless, built for playoffs. They’ve met in five finals since 2000. Cruz Azul won three. Chivas won one. One ended in penalty heartbreak. One ended with a last-minute goal that still replays on Mexican TV.

The players know this. The coaches know this. The fans know this. And on Sunday, the entire country will be watching.