This is the start of the live coverage of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2024-25 semi-final second-leg tie between Cruz Azul and Tigres UANL.
This is the start of the live coverage of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2024-25 semi-final second-leg tie between Cruz Azul and Tigres UANL.
The start time is around 7:30am IST. Remember, the first leg was a dull 1-1 draw. So the winner tonight will move into the final to take on Vancouver Whitecaps who defeated Inter Miami in both legs.
Here we go then. We have the kick off and already Tigres UANL have taken a shot within a minute of the opening whistle. Does that tell they are going for an all out attack? We will know soon.
17' Another slow game so far as both sides continue to look to find ways to break into each other's defence. However, none of them have been quite successful yet. Tigres UANL have kept the ball for more time and have also taken more shots but the scoreline still remains goalless.
29' Finally Azul get a chance to go ahead but they miss it. Big moment in the game. They should have scored but Tigres UANL would not mind. The scores are still locked at 0-0 in this game and 1-1 in aggregate. The team that scores first today will really have a solid advantage.
Half-time!
It is still goalless at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City as both Cruz Arul and Tigres UANL fight hard to get the opening goal but none of them have been able to get it so far. An exciting second half to come up soon.
Second half is now underway and both sides will want to score to get ahead in this all-Mexican derby. Let us follow what happens. Will we see goals or go to extra time? Penalties also maybe? Let us see
60' No team has been able to find that finish so far in this game and they will both rue their chances that they missed. Tigres have started this half also on the front foot but none of the chances that they have made have actually been big enough to get the scoreboard moving.
75' Nothing to separate between the two teams so far. On every metric, these two Mexican sides have been neck and neck. A good game of football although we have not seen a goal yet. Aggregate score still remains 1-1.
82' GOAL!!!
A penalty has changed to course of this game. Massive moment. Perhaps the moment that will decide this semifinal. Cruz Azul are ahead. This turns the game on its ahead. Referee takes the help of VAR and decides to go ahead with the penalty call. Sepulveda then manages to put the ball into the net and Cruz Azul have broken the deadlock just minutes before we have the full-time whistle.
Full-time!
Cruz Azul 1, Tigres UANL 0
Aggregate score: Cruz Azul 2, Tigres UANL 1
A late penalty came to the rescue of Cruz Azul and they are now through to the final. It was a close game throughout. Not just this leg but the first leg as well. Ultimately, that one late penalty call helped Cruz Azul prevail over Tigres UANL in what was a tough game for both the sides.
Cruz Azul will now face Vancouver Whitecaps, the team that beat Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in semifinal, for the summit clash.
The final of CONCACAF Champions Cup takes place on June 1, 2025. Due to time difference, it will be aired in India early morning on June 2.
That will be it for today. We will be back with more live blogs. Thank you for following us.