In a thrilling first leg of the semifinals, Chivas secured a crucial 2-2 draw against Cruz Azul, putting them in the driver's seat for the return match. With this result, Chivas needs only a draw at home on Saturday to advance to the next round—a scenario that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
The match, played at Estadio Banorte—the last game at the venue before the World Cup final—was a showcase of high-intensity football from the opening whistle. Chivas came out aggressive, fielding an attacking lineup that included both Ángel Sepúlveda and Ricardo Marín from the start. The first half was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams creating dangerous chances. José Paradela nearly opened the scoring with a left-footed shot off a counterattack, while Christian Ebere headed a cross just wide from close range. Richard Ledezma struck the post, and Sepúlveda sent a right-footed effort wide. Cruz Azul responded with Agustin Palavecino forcing a save from Chivas goalkeeper Óscar Whalley, but it was Chivas who struck first. A right-footed shot from Marín was mishandled by Cruz Azul's goalkeeper, Kevin Mier, and Santiago Sandoval pounced on the loose ball to slot it into an empty net for a 1-0 lead.
Cruz Azul didn't back down. Efraín Álvarez curled a left-footed shot just wide, and Bryan Alonso González had a clear chance cleared off the line. Just before halftime, Carlos Rodríguez equalized with a brilliant lobbed shot over Whalley after a swift counterattack, sending the teams into the break level at 1-1.
The second half saw Chivas make an early substitution, bringing on Miguel Gómez for Álvarez. The move paid off immediately—Gómez delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Sepúlveda rose to head it past Mier, restoring Chivas's lead at 2-1. Replays showed the ball hit the post and then deflected off Mier's arm, raising questions about a possible own goal. The intensity only grew from there, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
With everything on the line in Saturday's second leg, Chivas will look to capitalize on their home advantage, while Cruz Azul aims to overturn the tie. One thing is certain: this semifinal is far from over.