Cruz Azul are in a strong position to advance to the Concacaf Champions Cup quarter-finals after a dramatic first-leg victory. The Mexican side secured a 3–2 aggregate lead against Monterrey in the round of 16 tie. The second leg will decide which Liga MX team progresses.
Dramatic First Leg Sees Cruz Azul Take the Lead
Nicolas Larcamon’s team rallied late in the first leg to take control of the series. Goals from Erik Lira and Gonzalo Piovi kept them in touch. Nicolas Ibañez then scored a 90th-minute winner.
Another victory in the second leg would extend Cruz Azul’s advantage. It would also secure their place in the quarter-finals. There, they would face the winner of the Los Angeles FC vs LD Alajuelense series.
Cruz Azul are the current title holders in the regional competition. They won the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, defeating the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final.
How Cruz Azul Can Qualify
A draw in the second leg would see Cruz Azul advance to the quarter-finals. Their one-goal aggregate advantage means any draw would be enough to keep them ahead.
The tie is decided by the aggregate score across the two legs. Monterrey must win the second leg to overturn the deficit.
- If Cruz Azul lose the second leg by one goal and Monterrey score less than three goals, Cruz Azul will still advance.
- If Cruz Azul lose 2-3 to Monterrey, the game will go to extra time, and if the draw persists, penalties will decide the winner.
- A defeat by two or more goals would eliminate Cruz Azul.
Nicolas Sanchez’s team remains a dangerous opponent in continental competitions. They have a strong history in the region.
The second leg promises to be a tense affair, with every possible result potentially reshaping the outcome of the tie.