Queretaro vs Cruz Azul 1-0 thanks to Ángel Sepúlveda here at the renowned Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Feb. 23, 2025. The victory left Cruz Azul sitting pretty in the Liga MX Clausura table but also demonstrated their defensive strength and tactical discipline on the pitch.
Match Overview
The game got underway with both teams playing cautiously, each hoping to exploit the other’s errors. Cruz Azul, playing with the advantage of playing at home, was slightly better in ball possession and offensive plays. Querétaro, meanwhile, settled into a compact defensive shape, looking to strike on the counter whenever they might get a chance.
A moment later, in the 67th minute, Ángel Sepúlveda pounced with great timing and deftness to nudge the ball home. This goal not only sent shockwaves through the home crowd but also swung the momentum firmly in favor of Cruz Azul. Cruz Azul’s back line withstood all efforts by Querétaro to pull level, and the single goal proved the difference.
Key Player Performances
Ángel Sepúlveda: The match winner, Sepúlveda’s offensive instincts and positioning proved crucial. Made his goal in the second half emphasized his value to the group and his ability to exploit decisive moments.
Carlos Rotondi: The guy who ran the show from midfield, linking well, but also putting the ball where it needed to go. Querétaro’s defense was tested by his vision and ability to pick a pass for most of the game.
Pablo Barrera: Barrera looked experienced and skilled, despite being on the losing side. He tried to create scoring chances for Querétaro but was unable to disturb Cruz Azul’s well-organized defense.
Tactical Analysis
Cruz Azul’s approach was based on possession and slow buildups. They also used the flanks well and dominated the midfield, which suspended Querétaro’s shape. The defensive line kept their errors to a minimum by snuffing out attacks with a maximized success rate, allowing goalkeeper José de Jesús Corona to enjoy a relatively quiet night.
Querétaro’s strategy was to play with their back to the wall, soaking up pressure and hoping to spring a counter-attacking opportunity. Although this setup kept Cruz Azul from scoring more than one goal, Querétaro was unable to transition from defense to offense, creating few clear opportunities.
Historical Context: Cruz Azul vs Querétaro
Cruz Azul vs Querétaro The disputes between the cement against the fried dough have been tighter. The two clubs met 42 times before this match, with Cruz Azul winning 21 games, Querétaro winning 13, and 8 games ending in draws. This most recent result tilts the all-time series even more in Cruz Azul’s favor — recent momentum has been on the side of La Maquina during head-to-head matches.
Implications for the Season
With this result, Cruz Azul climbs the table standings of Liga MX Clausura and comes back and fights for the title. The team’s overall efforts and ability to win key matches only reveal their intentions of being a title-winning team. Conversely, Querétaro has some soul-searching to do and has to find a way up the league table if they are to make a run at the postseason.
Looking Ahead
Cruz Azul will visit Atlas looking to build on their winning streak in search of fine-tuning their attack and strengthening their back line. On the other hand, Querétaro will need to fix the problems that this match exposed; the most noticeable being the transition from defense to attack and finishing in front of the net.
The clash between Cruz Azul and Querétaro on February 23, 2025, was a showcase of tactical nous, skillful execution, and the relentless desire to win that are the hallmarks of Liga MX action. With the league stages ahead for each, both sides will certainly learn lessons from this game as they seek to accomplish their goals for the season.
