Cruz Azul defeated Chivas 3-2 in the return leg of the Apertura 2025 Liga MX quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals after a 0-0 first leg draw. Goals from Gabriel Fernández, Jeremy Márquez, and Charly Rodríguez sealed the comeback at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández missed a crucial penalty that could have altered Chivas' fate.
The November 30, 2025, match in Ciudad Universitaria was an intense clash. Chivas opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a goal from Cade Cowell, assisted by Roberto Alvarado from a corner kick. Cruz Azul equalized at the 14th minute through Gabriel 'Toro' Fernández, who finished a cross from Jeremy Márquez.
Chivas regained the lead at the 35th minute with Bryan 'Cotorro' González, capitalizing on rebounds in the box and an assist from Cowell. In the second half, Jeremy Márquez tied it at the 72nd minute with a powerful shot that hit the post and went in. At the 82nd minute, a penalty for Chivas due to a foul by Jesús Orozco on Santiago Sandoval was taken by 'Chicharito' Hernández, who sent it over the bar, sealing Chivas' elimination.
In added time (90+4'), Charly Rodríguez scored the definitive 3-2 with a chip over Raúl Rangel after a counterattack. Cruz Azul, coached by Nicolás Larcamón, advances as the third-place team from the regular season with 35 points, while Chivas, under Gabriel Milito, finished sixth with 29 points and needed a win.
In the semifinals, La Máquina will face Tigres, who came back 5-0 against Tijuana. The match was broadcast on Canal 5, TUDN, and ViX Premium.
