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Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>The aggregate score is tied at 0-0</li><li>Sepúlveda was part of the defeats in the Clausura 2024 final and the Apertura 2024 semifinals</li><li>He has scored four goals in four Champions Cup matches.</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n">Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'Chance for revenge' – Cruz Azul's Ángel Sepúlveda on CONCACAF Champions Cup knockout clash against América

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Club América have been Cruz Azul’s nightmare over the past two Liga MX seasons - beating them in the Clausura 2024 Final and knocking them out in the semifinals of the previous tournament. Now, Cruz Azul has a shot at redemption, this time in the Champions Cup, and that’s exactly how it’s being viewed inside the La Máquina locker room.“We’ve had some very intense matches where we didn’t come out on top. Tomorrow is a chance for revenge - that’s how I see it personally. I know we’re prepared, and this is an opportunity for us to make our mark as a team, as players, and as a club,” Cruz Azul striker Ángel Sepúlveda said during Monday’s press conference.The match will be played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, which Cruz Azul are renting from Pumas to use as their home ground this season. It’s still unclear where Vicente Sánchez’s team will play next season, though there are talks of a possible move to Puebla’s Estadio Cuauhtémoc for the Apertura 2025.Under Sánchez, Cruz Azul is on a nine-game unbeaten run, but history favors the Azulcremas, who have only lost once to La Máquina in their last 10 meetings.

WHAT HAPPENED?

Cruz Azul have moved past the bitter moment they experienced a few months ago with the departure of head coach Martín Anselmi, who left the club with the tournament already underway to take the job at Porto in Portugal. The setback hit the locker room hard, especially since the team had come very close to reaching the Final last season - and because the coach had promised not to leave until he won the Liga MX title.The squad looked good, and played well, but once again fell short - this time at the hands of América, who would go on to complete the three-peat. The Argentine’s departure left a huge void, eventually filled by Uruguayan Vicente Sánchez, who had been coaching the Under-23 side and had no first-division managerial experience. In the end, the former striker was able to quiet the doubts surrounding his appointment and managed to stay in charge of the team."It’s a hugely important match because it’s an international tournament. Tomorrow we’re going out to win - that’s everyone’s mindset. It’s definitely going to be an exciting game to watch, and we’re going all in. Every game is beautiful, every game carries the same demand to win, especially when it comes to playing smart and knowing what’s at stake," Sánchez said during a press conference ahead of the match against América.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The striker admitted that the Cruz Azul locker room hasn’t specifically talked about eliminating América, but they are fully aware of what’s at stake. "We haven’t brought it up, but we know we have a responsibility and that we need to show what we’re made of," he said. "We have to give this match our all—for ourselves, for our families, and for our fans."Sepúlveda is a key player in Vicente Sánchez’s system, having scored four goals in four Champions Cup matches. "I’m here to contribute, and today I can say I feel that responsibility - if I can help the team with goals, then I’m all in. I’m focused on us winning."

WHAT ÁNGEL SEPÚLVEDA SAID

Cruz Azul are heading into a crucial stretch of back-to-back clashes with Club América. Tuesday’s match carries added weight - not only because of the rivalry but because a spot in the Champions Cup semifinals is on the line. Emotions will be running high.The two sides will square off again this Saturday, though with both teams already qualified for the final phase, that match will serve more as a tune-up and confidence booster ahead of the Liguilla.

WHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL?

'Chance for revenge' – Cruz Azul's Ángel Sepúlveda on CONCACAF Champions Cup knockout clash against América | Goal.com

Cruz Azul and América will decide who advances in the Champions Cup this Tuesday in the second leg of the Quarterfinals.

&apos;Chance for revenge&apos; – Cruz Azul&apos;s Ángel Sepúlveda on CONCACAF Champions Cup knockout clash against América

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