In a tightly contested Liga MX semifinal clash, Cruz Azul edged Monterrey 1-0, thanks to Rodolfo Rotondi’s decisive 34th-minute goal. The victory gives the Cementeros a crucial advantage heading into the second leg of the series.
The game-winning move began with winger Uriel Antuna creating space along the right sideline before cutting back a pass to Lorenzo Faravelli. Faravelli then spun toward the box and chipped a pass to Alexis Gutiérrez, positioned just above the penalty spot. With his back to goal, Gutiérrez held off a defender and deftly laid the ball off to Rotondi. The forward met it with a low, right-footed shot that zipped inside the far post, leaving Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada with no chance.
Andrada, who made five crucial saves throughout the match, notably denied a close-range header from Gutiérrez in the 62nd minute. Despite his efforts, Monterrey could not find an equalizer.
A Game of Two Halves
Monterrey, hosting the first leg, struggled to impose themselves in the first half. Apart from a skillful move by Luis Romo in the 30th minute that required a save from Cruz Azul’s Kevin Mier, the Rayados had little to show for their efforts.
Both teams began with high intensity, but Cruz Azul gradually took control, especially after the 20-minute mark. The Cementeros’ passing became more precise, and they consistently threatened Monterrey’s defense. This sustained pressure culminated in Rotondi’s goal, just minutes after Mier’s crucial save on Romo.
The second half saw Monterrey come out with a more physical approach, trying to assert dominance. Referee Daniel Quintero even scolded Romo for a hard tackle, reflecting the aggressive tone set by the hosts. Coach Fernando Ortiz’s substitutions, including bringing on striker Brandon Vazquez and Jordi Cortizo, shifted the game into Cruz Azul’s half for much of the second period.
Despite holding 59% possession by the end of the game, Monterrey couldn’t convert their dominance into goals. The Cementeros’ defense, a hallmark of their second-seeded status, held firm, blocking several shots and employing a “thump it long” clearance strategy to alleviate pressure.
Monterrey’s “Tecatito” Corona was a constant threat on the right wing, especially in the final 15 minutes. In the 77th minute, he deftly controlled a long ball and beat Camilo Cándido, but his centering pass was just behind Vazquez, who couldn’t redirect it on target.
Defensive Masterclass in Liga MX Semifinals
Cruz Azul’s victory adds to the defensive theme of the Liga MX semifinals, with only one goal scored across two matches. This comes after a scoreless draw between top-seeded América and sixth-seeded Guadalajara.
The semifinalists boast the league’s top four defenses. Defending champions América allowed the fewest goals (12) in the regular season, with Cruz Azul close behind (14). Guadalajara, with the third-best defense (17), has kept clean sheets in six consecutive games. Despite being the fourth-best defense (19 goals allowed), Monterrey has struggled recently, conceding in each of their last 15 matches across all competitions.
As the series heads into the second leg, Cruz Azul’s defensive resilience and Rotondi’s clinical finish have set the stage for a compelling conclusion.
