'Most important match in Mexico' - Santiago Giménez on the trilogy that Cruz Azul and América will play

América and Cruz Azul have built one of the most intense rivalries in recent years, frequently facing off in thrilling finals and semifinals of Liga MX. Both teams boast strong squads and are expected to compete for the Clausura 2025 title.

In April, they will clash three times - twice in the Champions Cup and once in Matchday 15 of the league.

Santiago Giménez, a Cruz Azul academy product, shared his thoughts on the upcoming trilogy:

"They will be incredible, high-intensity matches. In the last 10 or 15 years, this has become the most important game in Mexico. Every time they play, something happens. It’s a great showdown, and I think this time will be no exception."

On April 1, the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals will take place between América and Cruz Azul. This competition remains the only one missing from the trophy cabinet of the historic Águilas under André Jardine, who have won three consecutive Liga MX titles - but have yet to secure an international championship.

For Cruz Azul, this will be a big chance for revenge. They were eliminated by América in the semifinals of the Apertura 2024, and were defeated in the Clausura 2024 final by Jardine's team.

Currently, Cruz Azul is in great form in both the Champions Cup and Liga MX. They reached the quarterfinals after an impressive victory over the Seattle Sounders. In the Liga MX, they are in the fifth position with 22 points, making them strong contenders in both competitions.

The second leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals will be played on April 8 at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, while on April 12, América and Cruz Azul will face each other again in Matchday 15 of Liga MX at América's home stadium.

These three matches, across both tournaments, will be crucial for both teams as they continue their pursuit of titles in both international and domestic competitions.

The striker spoke about his arrival at AC Milan and the role he has with the Rossoneri:

"I see it as a great responsibility. I try to carry Mexico’s flag as high as possible, wherever I am and against whoever I face. I believe that is the great role I feel as a Mexican playing in Europe."

Before going to Europe with Feyenoord, Santiago Giménez made his professional debut with Cruz Azul, a team that had been without an Liga MX title for more than 23 years. The forward played a key role in winning the Guard1anes 2021 title.

Despite being very young and not being a regular starter under coach Juan Reynoso, Giménez scored important goals in both the quarterfinals and semifinals. Cruz Azul eventually defeated Santos Laguna in the final, ending the club’s long drought without a championship.