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

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 La Máquina.

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.

“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."

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.

“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.

"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."

Despite the excellent results, Sánchez’s future on the Cruz Azul bench is still uncertain. However, the Uruguayan coach remains calm and focused.

“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.

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.

In Clausura 2024, América edged Cruz Azul in the final with a 2-1 aggregate win. The following tournament, Apertura 2024, saw Las Águilas 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.