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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><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><p>Will be the third consecutive meeting in Liga MX playoffs</p></li><li><p>Cruz Azul have become formidable, now 18 games unbeaten</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"2hsidwomhjsaaytdy9u5niyi4"}}</script></li><li>Vicente Sánchez has only lost one of 25 games with La Máquina</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

'This club demands victories' - Cruz Azul coach Vicente Sánchez on eliminating León, setting up third straight playoff matchup with América

Liga MX

CF America

Cruz Azul

<p>Cruz Azul has secured a spot in the Clausura 2025 semifinals after defeating León 2-1 in the second leg of the quarterfinals, Sunday night sealing a 5-3 aggregate win in favor of <em>La Máquina</em>.</p><p>Goals from Ignacio Rivero and an own goal by Rodrigo Echeverría led Vicente Sánchez’s side to victory, while Jhonder Cádiz briefly gave León hope with a goal for Eduardo Berizzo’s team. Following the win, head coach Vicente Sánchez praised his team’s mentality and execution throughout the series.</p><p>“I’m happy to move on to the next phase," he said. "Honestly, winning every match - both away and at home - is exactly what Cruz Azul aims for. This club demands victories. Beating a top opponent with a talented squad and a national team coach in both legs, it makes me very proud. Now it’s time to prepare for what’s coming next."</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Under Sánchez’s leadership, Cruz Azul has become a force, going 18 games unbeaten. Across 25 matches between Liga MX and the Champions Cup, he’s led the team to 16 wins, eight draws, and only a single loss - an impressive record.</p><p>“Yes, we’ve gone almost twice as many games without losing as we’ve drawn, so the numbers are very strong," he said. "What’s behind us - whether good or bad - can’t be changed. We’ve built something solid, but what matters now is what comes next. We’re competing on two fronts: we’re in the semifinal and also in a final.</p><p>"So we’re extremely proud and grateful for the effort every player puts in, and for the support from the president and the technical staff. We’re excited and hungry to keep going."</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Despite the excellent results, Sánchez’s future on the Cruz Azul bench is still uncertain. However, the Uruguayan coach remains calm and focused.</p><p>“I’ve always carried myself this way, even as a player. I believe the most important thing a person can have is humility. Being thankful to God, to family, and continuing to work every single day. I think the results speak for themselves,” he said.</p><p></p>

WHAT VICENTE SÁNCHEZ SAID

<p>La Máquina will now face América in the semifinals - a clash that has become a modern classic. This will be the third consecutive time the two rivals meet in the Liga MX playoffs.</p><p>In Clausura 2024, América edged Cruz Azul in the final with a 2-1 aggregate win. The following tournament, Apertura 2024, saw <em>Las Águilas</em> come out on top again with a 4-3 aggregate. However, just a few weeks ago, Cruz Azul got their revenge, knocking América out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals, further intensifying one of the league’s most heated rivalries.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR CRUZ AZUL?

'This club demands victories' - Cruz Azul coach Vicente Sánchez on eliminating León, setting up third straight playoff matchup with América | Goal.com

Cruz Azul will now face América in the semifinals, a matchup that has become a modern classic

&apos;This club demands victories&apos; - Cruz Azul coach Vicente Sánchez on eliminating León, setting up third straight playoff matchup with América

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