Liga MX Clausura - Quarter-finals
Cruz Azul 1 - 0 FT Atlas
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
32' J. Paradela
HT
↓ P. Ramirez ↑M. E. Garcia 59'
↓ E. Aguirre ↑A. Rodriguez 67'
↓ Gustavo Ferrareis ↑D. Gonzalez 67'
71' ↓ J. Paradela ↑J. Marquez
71' ↓ A. Palavecino ↑L. Romero
76' ↓ C. Ebere ↑G. Fernandez
76' ↓ C. Rotondi ↑A. Montano
↓ A. Rocha ↑E. Zaldivar 79'
↓ S. Hernandez ↑L. Gamboa 79'
84' ↓ C. Rodriguez ↑A. Morales
J. Rodriguez 87'
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Cruz Azul
Goalkeepers
Kevin Mier 
OCTOPUS
5
Saves
5
Saves
0
Conceded
100%
Save %
Defenders
Jorge Rodarte Barragan 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Willer Ditta 
SHIELD
3
Blocks
3
Blocks
0
Interceptions
0
Tackles
Amaury Garcia 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
70%
Duel Win %
Gonzalo Piovi 
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Omar Campos
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Midfielders
José Paradela 
SNIPER
50%
Conversion
50%
Conversion
1
Goals
2
Shots
Agustín Palavecino 
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
7
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Carlos Rodríguez
LATE SHIFT
6
Late Mins
6
Late Mins
84
Total Mins
84
Entry
Carlos Rotondi
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Forwards
Osinachi Ebere
PROVOCATEUR
3
Fouls Won
3
Fouls Won
6
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
BENCH
Andrés Gudiño 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Josué Díaz
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ivan Silva
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Amaury Morales
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
10
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Ariel Castro Sevilla
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Andres Montaño
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jeremy Márquez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
23
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Luka Romero
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
23
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mateo Levy
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Gabriel Fernández
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
18
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Atlas
Goalkeepers
Camilo Vargas
PROVOCATEUR
1
Fouls Won
1
Fouls Won
1
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Defenders
Gustavo Ferrareis
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Manuel Capasso
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Rodrigo Schlegel
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
94
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Jorge Rodríguez
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Midfielders
Aldo Rocha
LATE SHIFT
11
Late Mins
11
Late Mins
79
Total Mins
79
Entry
Victor Rios
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Arturo González 
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
33%
Pass Acc
Paulo Ramírez
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
Sergio Hernandez
LATE SHIFT
11
Late Mins
11
Late Mins
79
Total Mins
79
Entry
Forwards
Eduardo Aguirre
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
67
Total Mins
67
Entry
BENCH
Antonio Sánchez
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
Róber Pier
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Adrián Mora
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Gaddi Aguirre
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Mateo García
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
35
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Edgar Zaldívar
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Gustavo del Prete
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Agustín Rodríguez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Diego González
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
27
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Luis Gamboa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
15
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/03/2026 | Atlas | 2 - 3 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
| 01/14/2026 | Cruz Azul | 2 - 0 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Azteca |
| 07/20/2025 | Atlas | 3 - 3 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
| 01/12/2025 | Cruz Azul | 1 - 1 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
| 11/07/2024 | Atlas | 2 - 2 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
| 04/22/2024 | Cruz Azul | 2 - 2 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes |
| 07/02/2023 | Atlas | 2 - 0 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
| 05/06/2023 | Cruz Azul | 0 - 1 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Azteca |
| 02/23/2023 | Cruz Azul | 1 - 0 | Atlas | Liga MX | Estadio Azteca |
| 07/16/2022 | Atlas | 3 - 2 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio Jalisco |
Cruz Azul Win
Atlas Win
Draw
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Cruz Azul Seal Semi-Final Spot With Gritty Azteca Masterclass
Skip It Futmetrix Score: 27/100. Despite Atlas dominating the ball in a desperate bid for knockout survival, Cruz Azul's clinical first-half strike ensured a 4-2 aggregate passage to the semi-finals.
The Azteca Ambush
The knockout Stakes were unmistakably high heading into this quarter-final second leg at the iconic Estadio Azteca. Trailing 3-2 on aggregate, the visiting side had no choice but to attack. They immediately took the initiative, dominating possession with a 61% share of the ball. The visitors, leaning heavily on the momentum generated by first-leg scorer C. Ebere, pushed high up the pitch and flooded the penalty area. This relentless pressure created a remarkably high Intensity right out of the gate, setting a frantic tempo. A barrage of early attempts put the home defence under immense strain, as a flurry of corners and crosses tested their resolve. Despite facing an onslaught of 18 total shots throughout the contest, the hosts remained remarkably composed.
The Decisive Strike
The turning point arrived completely against the run of play, altering the entire complexion of the tie. Just as the visitors seemed destined to find an equalizer, the hosts launched a devastating counter-attack. In the 32nd minute, J. Paradela found a pocket of space and delivered a lethal, clinical finish. That strike shattered the tactical Balance of the match. It was a classic sucker punch that extended the aggregate lead to an imposing 4-2 margin. Suddenly, the mountain the away side had to climb became significantly steeper. The goal forced them to take even greater risks, opening up spaces at the back, while giving the home team the ultimate luxury: a cushion to sit deep and absorb the pressure.
Weathering the Storm
The final act was a masterclass in resilient defending. Omar Campos delivered an outstanding defensive shift, anchoring the backline and sweeping up danger whenever the visitors threatened. With 12 corners to defend and constant balls flying into the box, the rearguard action was spectacular. Goalkeeper heroics defined the dying minutes, as an impressive nine combined saves kept the scoreline locked at 1-0 on the night. Cruz Azul expertly navigated the final whistle, frustrating Atlas to secure their semi-final berth. The visitors' high shot volume ultimately yielded nothing, proving that possession and territorial control mean little without the final, ruthless touch in front of the net.
Key Questions
Who scored the winning goal for Cruz Azul?
José Paradela scored the only goal of the match in the 32nd minute, securing a 1-0 victory on the night.
What was the final aggregate score?
Cruz Azul advanced to the semi-finals with a 4-2 aggregate victory over Atlas following a 3-2 win in the first leg.
What is the Futmetrix Score?
The Futmetrix Score is our 0-100 verdict on how entertaining a match is. We look at intensity, balance, stakes, and star quality to tell you if it's worth your time.
Semi-final Dreams Hang in the Balance
Average Entertainment Futmetrix Score: 50/100. This do-or-die playoff clash guarantees tension as both sides fight desperately to stay alive in the Clausura.
The Setup
Cruz Azul welcomes Atlas on May 10, 2026, to settle this explosive quarter-final tie. While the hosts finished a comfortable third in the regular season, the data flips the script: a strong Balance rating highlights Atlas as the statistical favorites to conquer enemy territory. The Stakes are non-negotiable—it is two steps from glory, win or go home. The overall Stars rating remains steady, anchored by home playmakers like José Paradela looking to spark the attack. Meanwhile, the Form metrics suggest we will not see a cagey 0-0, with a combined goal expectation pushing close to three per match.
Key Battle
This tie will be won and lost in the collective tactical execution rather than individual duels. Cruz Azul's midfield engine must dictate the tempo and break through a resolute Atlas defensive block that thrives on absorbing pressure and springing lethal counter-attacks.
Our Prediction
Atlas are surprisingly backed to grab the victory away from home. We expect the visitors to invite pressure before ruthlessly exploiting the spaces left by a Cruz Azul side desperate to advance in front of their home crowd. A tactical away win is on the cards.