Cruz Azul and Atlas Open Liga MX Clausura 2025 with a Draw

In an eagerly anticipated match on January 11, 2025, Cruz Azul faced Atlas at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where they battled to a 1-1 draw. This opening match of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 showcased both teams’ ambitions with exciting gameplay and controversial moments.

First Half: The Opening Goal

The first half saw a slow start until Cruz Azul’s Amaury Morales made a significant play. He maneuvered past three defenders before being brought down by Atlas’ Aldo Rocha, resulting in a penalty kick awarded to Cruz Azul. Ángel Sepúlveda stepped up and successfully converted the penalty in the 38th minute to give Cruz Azul a 1-0 lead.

Second Half: Atlas Strikes Back

After halftime, Atlas, under coach Gonzalo Pineda, quickly rallied to find an equalizer. They pushed forward and managed to do so in the 54th minute when Balkan player Djurdjevic scored, taking advantage of a recent VAR revision that confirmed the goal despite initial hesitations.

Controversial Moments

The match was not without controversy, especially regarding the penalty decision for Cruz Azul and the initial disallowance of a goal for Atlas due to offside, which was later overturned by VAR. These incidents kept fans and analysts buzzing about the officiating throughout the match.

Conclusion: A Competitive Kickoff

As the match drew to a close, both teams continued to test each other’s defenses. Despite several opportunities, including a close attempt by Sepúlveda later in the game, neither side could secure a winning goal. The match concluded with both teams sharing the points, setting an intriguing tone for the rest of the season.

Stay tuned for more updates on Liga MX as the season progresses.