Cruz Azul Defies History and Advances to Liga MX Final

Despite a late scare, Cruz Azul held on to defeat Tigres 1-0 and secure a place in the Liga MX final. The victory marked a major triumph for the Cementeros, who had been on the brink of elimination just moments before.

Mexico City, Mexico - Cruz Azul defied their storied history of self-sabotage and held on to defeat Tigres 1-0 on Saturday, securing a berth in the Liga MX final.

The victory came in dramatic fashion, as Cruz Azul squandered a one-goal lead and faced elimination with just minutes remaining. However, the Cementeros dug deep and found a way to pull out the win, setting up a tantalizing final against arch-rivals Club America.

The match began brightly for Cruz Azul, as they took an early lead through Uriel Antuna's stunning strike from outside the box. The goal gave the Cementeros a much-needed cushion, but Tigres gradually grew into the game and began to threaten the Cruz Azul defense.

As the second half wore on, Tigres piled on the pressure and finally found their equalizer in the 75th minute. Andre-Pierre Gignac converted a penalty kick after a handball was called on Cruz Azul defender Julio Domínguez.

The goal seemed to sap the life out of Cruz Azul, who looked destined to suffer another heartbreaking collapse. However, the Cementeros refused to give up and managed to rally in the closing stages.

In the 88th minute, substitute Bryan Angulo found himself with a golden opportunity to win the game. The Ecuadorian striker received the ball in the box and unleashed a powerful shot, but Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán produced a miraculous save to deny him.

Just when it seemed that Tigres would force the match into extra time, Cruz Azul launched one final attack. Luis Abram sent in a cross from the left flank, and Juan Escobar rose highest to head the ball into the net.

The goal sent the Cruz Azul fans into raptures and sparked wild celebrations on the pitch. The Cementeros had overcome adversity and reached the final of the Liga MX, defying their history of cruzazuleadas.

Cruz Azul will now face Club America in the final, which is scheduled to take place over two legs on May 26 and May 29. The two sides will meet in the Clausura final for the first time since 2013, when America emerged victorious.

* The victory was Cruz Azul's first in a semifinal since the 2018 Apertura.

* Juan Escobar's goal was his first for Cruz Azul and could not have come at a more important time.

* Tigres dominated possession and shots but failed to find the winning goal.

* Cruz Azul's victory was a major triumph for manager Juan Reynoso, who took over the team in September 2021.

* The final between Cruz Azul and Club America will be a highly anticipated affair, with both sides looking to add another star to their crest.