Club America and Cruz Azul battle to a goalless draw in quarterfinals
- The first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal series ended in a 0-0 draw between Club America and Cruz Azul.
- Club America dominated the match with more significant scoring opportunities but couldn't convert any into goals.
- The result sets up a tense second leg, where the teams will vie for a place in the semifinals of the tournament.
In Mexico City, Club America faced off against crosstown rival Cruz Azul in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinal series on April 1, 2025. The match, held at the Estadio de los Deportes, ended in a stalemate, with both teams failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Club America had the best chances, particularly highlighted by Alejandro Zendejas, who in the second half missed a shot just wide of the post. Despite several near-misses and forced saves from Cruz Azul's goalkeeper Kevin Mier, neither side could break the deadlock, leading to a goalless draw. The return leg scheduled for April 8, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium will determine which team progresses to the semifinals, where they will meet either Tigres UANL or the LA Galaxy, who also played to a 0-0 draw in their quarterfinal matchup the same day. Club America is known for its impressive history in this tournament, having won seven CONCACAF titles, while Cruz Azul shares a strong legacy with six titles of its own, making this rivalry highly anticipated. Alongside Club America’s aspirations in the Champions Cup, FIFA has proposed a playoff for a vacant World Cup spot that could involve Club America and Los Angeles FC, contingent on the resolution of an appeal involving the Mexican club Leon. This uncertainty surrounding club qualifications adds a layer of pressure to the already competitive atmosphere of the tournament. The stakes in these matches are high, with implications for international competition and future opportunities at the Club World Cup. Both clubs are at pivotal moments in their seasons, as the outcome of these matches could significantly influence their legacies and their supporters' hopes. Despite the absence of goals in this encounter, the fierce competition between the two teams adds a compelling narrative to the ongoing CONCACAF Champions Cup, showcasing the depth of talent present in Mexican football. Each team will be eager to make adjustments in the second leg to improve their chances of victory and secure a semifinal berth.