Controversy mars Cruz Azul’s comeback draw against Tigres

What looked set to be a vital road win for Tigres suddenly unraveled in the second half at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where a controversial handball call allowed Cruz Azul to escape with a 1-1 draw in the opening leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 semifinals.

The sequence that changed the match came on a ball that struck Tigres’ American defender Marco Farfan inside the box. At full speed, it appeared to be a handball. Replays, however, showed his arm tucked tightly against his body. Even so, the referee pointed to the spot and was never called to the VAR monitor for a second look.

Penalty brings Cruz Azul back to life

The decision opened the door for Gabriel “Toro” Fernández, who converted from 12 yards to level the score at 1-1. The goal keeps Cruz Azul alive in a matchup that historically has not treated them well. They have eliminated Tigres only once in their previous postseason meetings.

Game marred by fan behavior

The night took another negative turn after repeated homophobic chants rang out from the stands whenever Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán prepared to clear the ball. Despite multiple instances, the referee did not activate the Mexican federation’s three-step protocol intended to curb discriminatory crowd behavior.

Cruz Azul now heads into the return leg with renewed hope, but the officiating and crowd issues will continue to overshadow the draw long after the final whistle.

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