Liga MX Apertura - 3
Cruz Azul 4 - 1 FT Leon
Match Statistics
Possession
Shots
Shots on Target
Expected Goals (xG)
Passes
Pass Accuracy
Corners
Fouls
Yellow Cards
Red Cards
Match Events
34' Carlos Rodríguez
HT
Ettson Ayón 51'
62' A. Sepulveda (J. Paradela)
63' ↓ L. Romero ↑I. Rivero
66' C. Rodriguez (J. Paradela)
↓ A. Estrada ↑E. Rodriguez 69'
↓ E. Ayon ↑R. Funes Mori 69'
73' ↓ L. Faravelli ↑J. Orozco
J. Orozco 78'
80' ↓ A. Sepulveda ↑M. Levy
81' ↓ C. Rotondi ↑O. Campos
81' ↓ J. Paradela ↑J. Marquez
↓ S. Santos ↑D. Ramirez 81'
87' C. Rodriguez
90' J. Marquez (G. Piovi)
Rodrigo Echeverría 90'+6
FT
Player Cards
Our take on every player in this match
Cruz Azul
Goalkeepers
K. Mier 
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
Midfielders
J. Sanchez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
L. Faravelli
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
73
Total Mins
73
Entry
L. Romero
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
63
Total Mins
63
Entry
C. Rotondi 
STORMTROOPER
2
Shots
2
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
Forwards
J. Paradela 
ARCHITECT
2
Key Passes
2
Key Passes
2
Assists
30%
Pass Acc
C. Rodriguez 
CLUTCH HERO
87
Goal Time
87
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
9.6
Rating
A. Sepulveda 
SNIPER
100%
Conversion
100%
Conversion
1
Goals
1
Shots
BENCH
A. Gudino 
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
O. Campos
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
1
On Target
J. Orozco 
FRIENDLY FIRE
Own Goal
Mistake
Own Goal
Mistake
0
Fouls
5.9
Rating
I. Rivero
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
28
Total Mins
Started
Entry
J. Marquez
CLUTCH HERO
90
Goal Time
90
Goal Time
Goal
Impact
8.2
Rating
A. Garcia
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
K. Velazquez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Morales
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
F. Samano Salgado
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
M. Levy
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
11
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Leon
Goalkeepers
O. Garcia
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Defenders
S. Santos
STORMTROOPER
1
Shots
1
Shots
0
Goals
0
On Target
S. Barreiro 
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
5
Tackles
70%
Duel Win %
A. Frias
WALL
0
Dribbled Past
0
Dribbled Past
2
Tackles
100%
Duel Win %
S. Reyes 
PROVOCATEUR
2
Fouls Won
2
Fouls Won
5
Duels Won
0
Pens Won
Midfielders
F. Beltran Cruz
👻 Invisible Nothing to note
I. Moreno
ARCHITECT
3
Key Passes
3
Key Passes
0
Assists
18%
Pass Acc
R. Echeverria
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
90
Total Mins
Started
Entry
A. Estrada
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
69
Total Mins
69
Entry
Forwards
E. Ayon
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
69
Total Mins
69
Entry
J. Rodriguez 
MAGNET
48
Activity
48
Activity
42
Passes
6
Duels
BENCH
O. Jimenez
SPECTATOR
0
Saves
0
Saves
0
Conceded
0
Minutes
V. Gauthier
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Medina
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
O. Villa
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
P. Bellon
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
E. Rodriguez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
21
Total Mins
Started
Entry
C. Cisneros
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
D. Ramirez 
ENFORCER
3
Tackles
3
Tackles
3
Duels Won
100%
Win %
L. Valadez
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
0
Total Mins
Started
Entry
R. Funes Mori
LATE SHIFT
15
Late Mins
15
Late Mins
22
Total Mins
Started
Entry
Head to Head
| Date | Home | Score | Away | Competition | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/27/2025 | Cruz Azul | 4 - 1 | Leon | Liga MX | Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
| 05/12/2025 | Cruz Azul | 2 - 1 | Leon | Liga MX | Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
| 05/09/2025 | Leon | 2 - 3 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio León |
| 04/16/2025 | Cruz Azul | 2 - 1 | Leon | Liga MX | Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
| 09/15/2024 | Leon | 1 - 2 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio León |
| 02/22/2024 | Leon | 2 - 3 | Cruz Azul | Liga MX | Estadio León |
Cruz Azul Win
Leon Win
Draw
League Standings
P: 3 GD: +5
P: 3 GD: +2
P: 3 GD: +3
P: 3 GD: 0
P: 3 GD: +3
P: 3 GD: +2
P: 3 GD: 0
P: 3 GD: 0
P: 3 GD: 0
P: 3 GD: -1
P: 3 GD: -1
P: 3 GD: 0
P: 3 GD: -1
P: 3 GD: -1
P: 3 GD: -2
P: 3 GD: -3
P: 3 GD: -1
League Standings
P: 17 GD: +17
P: 17 GD: +16
P: 17 GD: +13
P: 17 GD: +6
P: 17 GD: +12
P: 17 GD: -2
P: 17 GD: +10
P: 17 GD: +3
P: 17 GD: +2
P: 17 GD: -10
P: 17 GD: -4
P: 17 GD: -6
P: 17 GD: -2
P: 17 GD: -3
P: 17 GD: -6
P: 17 GD: -15
P: 17 GD: -13
Match previews and recaps to help you decide which games are worth watching
Second-Half Blitz Blows Away Leon
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 64/100. A barrage of late goals turned a tense tactical battle into a decisive rout, keeping the hosts firmly in the championship hunt.
Opening Act
At Estadio Olímpico Universitario, high Stakes permeated the air as Cruz Azul sought to close the gap at the top of the table. The hosts dominated possession early on, pinning Leon back with methodical, probing passes. Despite commanding 61% of the ball, the opening hour proved to be a frustrating exercise in breaking down a stubborn defensive block. The Balance of play was firmly tilted towards the home side, but 13 combined saves across both ends kept the match surprisingly scoreless. Willer Ditta was imperious at the back, orchestrating the buildup from deep and ensuring the visitors had zero room to manufacture a counter-attack.
The Pivot
The tactical dam finally broke in the 62nd minute. A. Sepulveda shattered the deadlock, instantly dialling up the Intensity of the contest. Just four minutes later, C. Rodriguez doubled the advantage, seemingly putting the hosts out of sight. However, the true turning point arrived in the 72nd minute. Rogelio Funes Mori thought he had dragged the visitors back into the fight, only for VAR to ruthlessly rule out his strike. That technological intervention completely deflated the away side, extinguishing any lingering hopes of a dramatic comeback.
Resolution
Following the VAR heartbreak, the floodgates opened entirely. An unfortunate own goal from J. Orozco compounded the visitors' misery before Rodriguez completed his clinical brace with a tidy finish. The remarkably low Upset Factor was confirmed when substitute J. Marquez added a final flourish in the 90th minute, wrapping up a commanding 4-1 victory. This emphatic result ensures the hosts remain just three points shy of the league summit, sending a powerful message to their title rivals.
Key Questions
How did VAR change this match?
VAR disallowed a crucial 72nd-minute strike from Rogelio Funes Mori that would have sparked a Leon comeback, completely shifting the momentum in Cruz Azul's favour.
What made Carlos Rodríguez the Man of the Match?
C. Rodriguez delivered an absolute masterclass in the final third, driving the attacking tempo and finishing ruthlessly to secure a brilliant brace.
What caused the 5-goal thriller?
A remarkable 32 total shots and a chaotic, wide-open final thirty minutes transformed a tight tactical affair into a late goalscoring frenzy.
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.
Cruz Azul Aim to Strengthen Title Credentials
Worth Watching Futmetrix Score: 61/100. A relentless Cruz Azul look to cement their championship aspirations against a Leon side desperately trying to salvage a dismal campaign.
The Setup
Cruz Azul have transformed the Estadio Olímpico Universitario into an absolute fortress, boasting a flawless home record that drives a commanding Form rating. Sitting comfortably in second place with 27 points, the Stakes couldn't be higher for the hosts as they hunt down the Liga MX Apertura title. On the opposite side, Leon are languishing down in 12th place with just 13 points. While the visitors bring a modest Stars rating to the pitch, they suffer from a severe lack of competitive Balance, having already leaked 24 goals this season. The away side's patchy displays suggest they will be entirely outgunned against a Cruz Azul outfit operating at the peak of their powers.
Key Battle
The defining clash pits the red-hot Ángel Sepúlveda against Leon centre-half Adonis Frías. The Cruz Azul attacker is dismantling backlines for fun right now, meaning the visiting defender will need to play the game of his life to keep the high-flying hosts at bay.
Our Prediction
Expect a commanding 3-0 victory for Cruz Azul. The home side's attacking fluidity and intense pressing will overwhelm Leon's fragile defence early on, allowing them to dictate the tempo and cruise through the second half.