After first-leg defeat, this is what Club América must do to reach the Clausura 2025 final
América must overturn a first-leg deficit, after Ignacio Rivero’s second-half goal gave Cruz Azul victory in the semi-final opener.
The three-time defending champion of Mexican soccer is on the ropes, after Club América narrowly lost the first leg of the Clausura 2025 semi-final to Cruz Azul.
Despite having an extra man for much of the second half on Thursday, América couldn’t break through the hosts’ defense and suffered a 1-0 defeat.
Now, Las Águilas must win this weekend’s return leg at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes if they are to stay alive.
Full time. 🦅 pic.twitter.com/c0Ex3x3Egh
— Club América EN (@ClubAmerica_EN) May 16, 2025
What does América need to return to the final?
Having lost the opener by a single goal, victory by the same margin will be enough for América in the second leg.
Were the last-four tie to finish level on aggregate, the 16-time title winners would progress thanks to their higher position in the regular-season table (they finished second, one place ahead of Cruz Azul).
Cruz Azul lead the semi-final thanks to Ignacio Rivero’s 59th-minute goal at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, but Rivero will miss the return leg after being sent off for a heavy tackle on América’s Álvaro Fidalgo.
Los Celestes will reach the final - and will remain in the hunt for a tenth domestic championship - as long as they avoid defeat in the deciding leg.
América vs Cruz Azul: when, where, how to watch?
The second leg between América and Cruz Azul is scheduled for Sunday, May 18, with kick-off at 9:15 p.m. ET/6:15 p.m. PT. The last time these teams met at this stage, América eliminated La Máquina.
Viewers in the United States can watch América vs Cruz Azul on TUDN USA and Univisión. Your streaming options include fubo, which offers new users a free introductory trial.
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