Cruz Azul defeats Chivas 4-3 on aggregate to advance in 2026 Liga MX semifinal

Cruz Azul eliminated Chivas in the Clausura 2026 semifinals, winning 4-3 on aggregate after overturning a first‑leg deficit. The Mexican club maintained its unbeaten run against Chivas in eight consecutive meetings, compiling four wins and four draws. The tie highlighted the contrasting squad strategies of the two sides: Chivas continues its Mexican‑only policy, relying on academy graduates, while Cruz Azul fields a larger foreign contingent, covering about 40% of its roster. Key contributors included Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper Kevin Mier, the left‑side partnership of Carlos Rotondi and José Paradela, and Argentine import Luka Romero, whereas Chivas leaned on goalkeeper Raúl Rangel, midfielders Luis Rom o and Brian Gutiérrez, and forward Roberto Alvarado. The result carries implications for national‑team selection, with several Chivas players in Mexico’s 2026 World Cup preliminary pool. Both clubs must now balance upcoming league fixtures with national‑team commitments as the expanded Club World Cup approaches.