Cruz Azul showcased their efficiency in front of goal, overcoming Chivas with a scoreline of 3-2 in the Round 4 match of Liga MX. The team led by Nicolás Larcamón faced some tense moments but ultimately emerged victorious thanks to critical goals from Gabriel Fernández (13’), Jeremy Márquez (71’), and Carlos Rodríguez (51’). Chivas initially took the lead with Cade Cowell (8’) and Bryan González (34’) scoring but couldn’t hold on to the advantage.
Gabriel Fernández electrified the crowd with his opening goal at the 13-minute mark. After receiving a precise pass from Ignacio Rivero, he expertly placed the ball into the bottom left corner, leaving the Chivas goalkeeper with no chance.
In a tense moment towards the end of the match, Chivas’ star striker Javier Hernández missed a crucial penalty in the 85th minute, which could have changed the course of the game.
Fernández was undoubtedly the standout player for Cruz Azul, not only contributing a goal but also attempting three shots on target, demonstrating his importance in the attacking line.
Another key performer was Carlos Rodríguez, who also found the back of the net, solidifying Cruz Azul’s momentum.
Nicolás Larcamón deployed a 2-7-1 formation with Andrés Gudiño in goal; Willer Ditta and Gonzalo Piovi in defense; Erik Lira, Lorenzo Faravelli, Ignacio Rivero, Jeremy Márquez, Carlos Rodríguez, José Paradela, and Rodolfo Rotondi in midfield; and Gabriel Fernández leading the attack.
On the other hand, Chivas, under Gabriel Milito, set up in a 2-5-3 formation, featuring Raúl Rangel as the goalkeeper; Bryan González and José Castillo in defense; Omar Govea, Efraín Álvarez, Luis Romo, Daniel Aguirre, and Fernando González in midfield; and Cade Cowell, Richard Ledezma, and Roberto Alvarado in attack.
The match was officiated by referee Daniel Quintero Huitrón at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
With this victory, Cruz Azul advances to the semifinals, putting an end to Chivas’ campaign in the tournament.
Substitutions for Cruz Azul
45’ 2T – Gonzalo Piovi off, Jesús Orozco on; Lorenzo Faravelli off, Jorge Sánchez on
67’ 2T – Rodolfo Rotondi off, Omar Campos on
68’ 2T – Ignacio Rivero off, Ángel Sepúlveda on
88’ 2T – Jeremy Márquez off, Jorge Rodarte on
Yellow Cards for Cruz Azul:
18’ 1T – Ignacio Rivero (Unsporting behavior), 28’ 2T – José Paradela (Unsporting behavior), 37’ 2T – Erik Lira (Insulting the referee)
Substitutions for Chivas
56’ 2T – Efraín Álvarez off, Erick Gutiérrez on
60’ 2T – Richard Ledezma off, Alan Mozo on
75’ 2T – Roberto Alvarado off, Alan Pulido on; Omar Govea off, Javier Hernández on
76’ 2T – Cade Cowell off, Santiago Sandoval on
Yellow Card for Chivas:
29’ 2T – Erick Gutiérrez (Unsporting behavior)