Mexico - Liga MX
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by Erik Gibbs in Liga MX Picks
CF Cruz Azul and Chivas meet on Sunday for a high-stakes Apertura 2025 Quarterfinal second leg, with the entire Liguilla fate of these two Mexican giants hanging in the balance after a stalemate in the first match. This highly anticipated clash, scheduled for Sunday comes with La Máquina holding a crucial positional advantage that could prove decisive against a red-hot Rebaño Sagrado squad.
The narrative leading into this fixture is dominated by the context of a hard-fought, yet goalless, first leg played in Guadalajara earlier this week. Cruz Azul, who were dominant through much of the Apertura campaign, finished third in the league standings with an impressive 35 points, buoyed by a formidable 10-win record. Despite a last-gasp 3-2 defeat to Pumas in their final regular-season match, their overall consistency means they possess the invaluable Liguilla tiebreaker.
For Nicolás Larcamón's side, this is the ultimate cushion: any aggregate draw, including a repeat 0-0 result, is enough to send them through to the semi-finals. Conversely, Chivas—who finished sixth with 29 points—arrived in the playoffs as the league's most in-form team, securing seven wins in their last eight regular-season outings.
Manager Diego Milito has instilled a thrilling, attacking style, but their failure to find the net at home means they must now produce a winning performance on the road. The 0-0 draw underscored Cruz Azul's defensive solidity, successfully neutralizing a Chivas attack that had been prolific in recent weeks.
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CF Cruz Azul vs Chivas Form
CF Cruz Azul and Chivas Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
2/6 (33%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 27, 2025 - Liga MX
Nov 8, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 31, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 25, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 21, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 18, 2025 - Liga MX
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 8, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 25, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 18, 2025 - Liga MX
Sep 24, 2025 - Liga MX
Sep 19, 2025 - Liga MX
Aug 23, 2025 - Liga MX
2/6 (33%)
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 27, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 31, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 21, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 4, 2025 - Liga MX
Sep 28, 2025 - Liga MX
Sep 13, 2025 - Liga MX
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 27, 2025 - Liga MX
Nov 8, 2025 - Liga MX
Nov 2, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 25, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 22, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 18, 2025 - Liga MX
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 27, 2025 - Liga MX
Nov 8, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 25, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 18, 2025 - Liga MX
Sep 23, 2025 - Liga MX
Sep 20, 2025 - Liga MX
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 2, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 22, 2025 - Liga MX
Oct 11, 2025 - Clubs Friendlies
Oct 5, 2025 - Liga MX
Sep 27, 2025 - Liga MX
Sep 13, 2025 - Liga MX
CF Cruz Azul against Chivas : Head to Head (H2H)
67 %
33 %
0 %
Average stats (last H2H results)
Nov 27, 2025 - Liga MX
Aug 30, 2025 - Liga MX
Mar 29, 2025 - Liga MX
Sep 21, 2024 - Liga MX
Jun 21, 2024 - Clubs Friendlies
Mar 2, 2024 - Liga MX
Chivas v CF Cruz Azul last Lineups
Formation : 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Formation : 3 - 4 - 2 - 1
Missing players
K. Mier
MidfielderA. Montano
Most goals and assists
CF Cruz Azul
Chivas
A. Sepulveda
(20 Goals)
A. Gonzalez
(13 Goals)
C. Rotondi
(10 Assists)
R. Alvarado
(5 Assists)
CF Cruz Azul and Chivas Stats in Liga MX
CF Cruz Azul - Chivas Key Points
- Cruz Azul are 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games
- Chivas are 3-2 ATS in their last 5 games
- The Over is 2-3 in Cruz Azul's last 5 games
- The Over is 2-3 in Chivas' last 5 games
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Our CF Cruz Azul vs Chivas Prediction
The tactical battle will heavily involve key personnel returning and adapting to the pressure cooker atmosphere in Mexico City. Cruz Azul will be significantly bolstered by the return of influential midfielder Lorenzo Faravelli, who missed the first leg due to suspension. His ability to link defense and attack will be critical in unlocking the disciplined Chivas midfield, allowing playmakers José Paradela and the pacey winger Carlos Rotondi more room to operate. Up front, Ángel Sepúlveda remains the primary goal threat, tasked with converting any chances generated. For Chivas, the onus is on their frontline to break the deadlock.
All eyes will be on Roberto Alvarado, the former Cementero, whose creativity and drive are essential for penetrating Cruz Azul's well-organized defense. Armando González has proven to be an efficient finisher this term, and his partnership with veteran Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández—who will undoubtedly feature prominently off the bench—provides Milito with diverse attacking options.
While Chivas appeared to sustain a minor injury knock late in the first leg, the expectation is that all major personnel will be fit for this decisive second-leg effort. From a generic betting standpoint, Cruz Azul holds the upper hand due to the home advantage and the psychological relief of the tiebreaker rule. Chivas is under a severe mandate to score, forcing them to commit men forward and making them vulnerable to Cruz Azul's proven counter-attacking speed. The odds reflect a marginal edge for the hosts, expecting a narrow, high-tension affair. Our prediction for CF Cruz Azul vs. Chivas: Under 2.5 goals.
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All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
