Cruz Azul Triumphs in a Thrilling Encounter Against León

Cruz Azul experienced a breathtaking evening against James Rodriguez’s León at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Coming from behind after being down 0-1, La Máquina snatched a crucial victory thanks to last-minute goals from Luka Romero and Gabriel Fernández, securing a direct spot in the quarterfinals.

León took an early initiative with high pressure, surprising Cruz Azul. Despite this, La Máquina controlled possession, though it was León who struck first with an early threat to Cruz Azul’s goal in the 9th minute. Emiliano Rigoni led a counterattack, delivering a cross to Stiven Mendoza, unmarked in the box, but his shot went astray.

A memorable save was made by Oscar Jiménez in the 13th minute, following a powerful strike from Rodolfo Rotondi. The Argentine unleashed a shot from the edge of León’s area, seemingly destined for the top corner. However, León’s goalkeeper leaped to deflect the ball, which still grazed the post before ending back in his grasp.

In the 24th minute, Cruz Azul squandered their clearest chance of the first half. The ball fell to their top scorer, Ángel Sepúlveda, after a series of deflections in León’s area. Unlike his recent form, Sepúlveda struck a weak shot that found its way to Oscar Jiménez.

James Rodríguez showcased his skill whenever the ball came to him, either acting as a pivot or creating opportunities for his teammates. At the 34th minute, Stiven Mendoza set up Rodríguez with a chance in front of Cruz Azul’s goal. The Colombian shifted to his left foot and fired a shot across, but Andrés Gudiño blocked it, earning cheers of “goalie, goalie, goalie…” from the home fans.

Cruz Azul went from nearly taking the lead to conceding the game’s first goal in the 58th minute. In an ongoing saga at León’s area, Oscar Jiménez once more saved his team after a strike from Ignacio Rivero. However, León quickly transitioned and David Ramírez found Stiven Mendoza, who finished with a precise cross-shot past Andrés Gudiño.

In response to the goal, Vicente Sánchez made aggressive changes, introducing Amaury Morales, Gabriel Fernández, and Giorgos Giakoumakis to bolster Cruz Azul’s attack.

Cruz Azul’s fortunes improved further with Nicolás Fonseca’s expulsion for a second yellow at the 74th minute, following a harsh challenge on Jorge Sánchez near the right corner.

Immediately after Fonseca’s dismissal, Cruz Azul struck the post of León’s goal. Amaury Morales unleashed a long-range effort that left Oscar Jiménez rooted, but it smacked against the crossbar.

Finally, the tantalizing atmosphere, charged by the passionate supporters at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, paid off in the 84th minute. From the right wing, Ignacio Rivero delivered a cross met by Luka Romero, who headed it decisively into the net as Oscar Jiménez watched helplessly.

With the score even, Cruz Azul’s hopes soared, especially with seven minutes of added time. It was during these tense moments that, after a play initiated by Amaury Morales on the right side, Cruz Azul claimed victory with a goal from Gabriel Fernández.