Cruz Azul and Chivas split points in Round 8 showdown

Cruz Azul and Chivas faced each late Saturday night at Estadio Azteca for a chance to improve their standing on the table. The game started with an early attempt by Cruz Azul just 15 seconds into the match from forward Brayan Angulo, but El Chiverio got the save and continued to push through. The first ten minutes featured dominant ball possession for La Maquina, and at minute 11 they broke through the Chivas defense with a Jonathan Rodriguez goal assisted by Orbelin Pineda.

Although Cruz Azul remained much of the possession, Chivas made their first attempt with an Alan Pulido shot that lands on the hands of goalkeeper Jesus Corona. At the 41st minute, Chivas got the tie. The goal came through a beautifully placed free kick taken by Miguel Ponce. The golazo allowed Chivas to breathe a sigh of relief as the first half of the game ended with a score of 1-1.

The game intensified in the second half. Both teams showed urgency to get back on the scoreboard. The counter-attack style play by Cruz Azul and the speed of Rodriguez made it challenging for the rival’s defense to catch up. Even with this attribute, Cruz Azul struggled to score a goal against Chivas. Tomas Boy’s squad pushed through and made other opportunities to score the game-winning goal. At minute 84, Alan Cervantes attempted a shot that went over and past Coronas area.

With the result, both teams leave Estadio Azteca with one point putting La Maquina below the eighth and final playoff position and “El Rebano Sagrado” in a not-so-kind 15th spot on the table.