It wasn't pretty, but it was everything a playoff soccer match should be: tense, physical, and utterly unpredictable. On November 27, 2025, Club Deportivo Guadalajara and Club de Fútbol Cruz Azul played out a goalless stalemate at Estadio Akron in Zapopan, Jalisco, wrapping up the first leg of their Liga BBVA MX Apertura quarterfinal with a 0-0 draw at 90'+4'. The match, officiated by Guillermo Pacheco Larios, ended with a flurry of near-misses and late fouls — none more dramatic than Miguel Gómez’s 90'+1' header, wide left after a perfect cross from Daniel Aguirre. One moment of brilliance, one missed opportunity, and suddenly, the entire tie hangs in the balance.
The Battle at Estadio Akron
The atmosphere inside Estadio Akron, packed with nearly 50,000 fans in red and white, crackled with tension from the first whistle. Guadalajara, riding a four-match home winning streak, came out aggressive. Efrain Álvarez (#10) tested Cruz Azul’s keeper early, forcing a corner in the 18th minute. But Cruz Azul, known for their disciplined counterattacks, soaked up pressure and looked dangerous every time they broke forward. The only card of the match came in the 26th minute, when Guadalajara’s Daniel Aguirre (#23) was cautioned for a late tackle — a sign of the match’s intensity, not its recklessness. Substitutions played a crucial role. Guadalajara brought on Alan Mozo (#2) for Bryan González (#5) in the 72nd minute, shifting toward a more direct approach. Richard Ledezma (#37) made way for Miguel Gómez (#24) in the 78th, a move meant to add height and aerial threat. Cruz Azul responded with fresh legs too: J. Rivero replaced M. Bogusz at 67’, and Á. Sepúlveda came on for G. Fernández. These weren’t just tactical tweaks — they were survival instincts.History Favors Cruz Azul — But Home Is Everything
The numbers tell a story that’s hard to ignore. In 51 all-time meetings, Cruz Azul has won 19 times to Guadalajara’s 14, with 18 draws. The goal difference? 67-57 in favor of the visitors. Even in Guadalajara’s own stadium, Cruz Azul has had the upper hand over the last 25 games: 11 wins, 8 losses, 6 draws. The most common result between these two? 1-1. Nine times, they’ve traded goals and split points. This 0-0 draw? It’s a rare outlier — and possibly a gift to Cruz Azul. But here’s the twist: Guadalajara hasn’t lost at home in their last four matches. They beat Monterrey 4-2, crushed Atlas 4-1, and demolished Querétaro FC 4-1. They’re in the best form of the season. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, has scored in six straight games — but they’ve lost their last three visits to Guadalajara. The last time they won here? 2021.The Second Leg: A High-Stakes Tug-of-War
The second leg, set for December 4, 2025, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, will be a different beast entirely. Cruz Azul, playing at home, will have the advantage of crowd noise and the psychological edge of being the more successful team historically. But Guadalajara knows this: if they win the return leg by one goal, they advance in 83% of similar cases, according to Sportytrader. Cruz Azul? If they win by one goal away, they win the tie 62% of the time. That’s the razor-thin margin now. One goal either way — and the team that scores it becomes the favorite. No goals? Extra time. Penalties? The ghosts of past clashes will be watching.
Who’s Really in Control?
Guadalajara’s coach has to ask: Did we leave something on the table? That header by Gómez — assisted by Aguirre, who was otherwise quiet — was the clearest chance. Did we press too high? Did we overcommit? Cruz Azul’s coach, meanwhile, must wonder: Why did we let them dominate possession for 60 minutes? Why didn’t we capitalize on those counters? This isn’t just about tactics. It’s about nerves. About who wants it more. Guadalajara’s fans, still chanting “¡Vamos Chivas!” even after the final whistle, believe their team’s home form will carry them. Cruz Azul’s players, more experienced in knockout play, know how to grind out results.What’s Next? The Road to the Semifinals
The winner of this tie advances to the Liga MX Apertura semifinals, where they’ll face either Tigres UANL or Club América — two of the league’s most feared teams. For Guadalajara, this is a chance to end a decade-long semifinal drought. For Cruz Azul, it’s a shot at redemption after their 2023 final loss to Pachuca. Both teams will rest for five days. Both will analyze every pass, every tackle, every missed chance. And both know: the next 90 minutes will define their season.Frequently Asked Questions
What does the 0-0 draw mean for Guadalajara’s chances of advancing?
Guadalajara now holds the advantage in the tiebreaker if they win the second leg by one goal — they’ve won 83% of matches in this exact scenario historically. But they’ve never won a knockout tie against Cruz Azul at home in the last 15 years. A draw in Mexico City would send it to penalties, where Cruz Azul has historically been more composed.
Why is Cruz Azul considered the favorite despite losing the last three away games to Guadalajara?
Cruz Azul has won 19 of the last 51 meetings overall and has a better goal differential. More importantly, they’ve won their last four matches against Guadalajara — including two playoff encounters. Their squad has more playoff experience, and they’ve scored in six straight games. Form matters, but history whispers louder.
Who were the key players in the 0-0 draw?
For Guadalajara, Efrain Álvarez (#10) was the creative spark, while Daniel Aguirre (#23) provided defensive grit and the crucial assist on the best chance. Raúl Rangel (#1) made two vital saves in the 35th and 75th minutes. For Cruz Azul, goalkeeper J. Rivero (who replaced M. Bogusz) was outstanding, and midfielder J. Paradela, coming on late, helped shut down Guadalajara’s midfield in the final 10 minutes.
How does this match compare to previous playoff encounters between the two teams?
The last playoff meeting was in the 2021 Clausura quarterfinals, where Cruz Azul won 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw in Guadalajara. That match also ended with a late goal and a controversial penalty call. This 0-0 draw is the first goalless first leg between them in a playoff since 2016 — and the first time neither team scored in a home-and-away series since 2012.
What’s at stake for the winner beyond the semifinals?
The winner faces either Tigres UANL or Club América — both of whom have won Liga MX titles in the last five years. For Guadalajara, a final appearance would be their first since 2018. For Cruz Azul, it’s a chance to end a 21-year title drought. The winner of this tie doesn’t just advance — they become the heartbeat of Mexican soccer for the next month.
Could weather or crowd pressure affect the second leg at Estadio Azteca?
Absolutely. Estadio Azteca sits at 2,240 meters above sea level, and the thin air can sap stamina. Cruz Azul’s players are acclimated; Guadalajara’s aren’t. The crowd noise — over 80,000 fans — can drown out communication. In 2023, a visiting team missed three clear chances in the final 15 minutes there due to disorientation from the noise. Guadalajara will need to be mentally prepared for that storm.
