Soccer City: Cruz Azul Eliminates Chivas with Late Goal

‘Chicharito’ Misses Crucial Penalty, Igniting Controversy

In Mexico City, on a night of relentless drama and unexpected turns, Cruz Azul secured a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Chivas del Guadalajara last Sunday, advancing to the Liga MX Apertura 2025 semifinals. The 3-2 aggregate score eliminated Chivas and ignited a firestorm of controversy, with a decisive penalty miss by star forward Javier “Chicharito” Hernández at the center of the backlash. 

La Máquina Mounts a Comeback 

Chivas, needing a win to advance after a goalless draw in the first leg, took the lead twice in the first half with goals from Cade Cowell and Bryan González.

However, Cruz Azul battled back. Gabriel Fernández and Jeremy Márquez found the net for the home side, tying the game at 2-2. With the aggregate score tied, the match became a tense, back-and-forth affair in the final minutes.

The Decisive Moment: The Penalty Miss that Sealed Chivas’ Fate 

The defining moment of the match arrived in the 84th minute.

Chivas was awarded a penalty, a golden opportunity to take the lead in the tie and potentially advance via a better league standing tiebreaker.

“Chicharito” Hernández, the returning club legend, stepped up to take the shot. In a moment of immense pressure, he sent the ball sailing over the crossbar, a missed chance that immediately shifted the momentum and cost Chivas their best opportunity to control the match.

Just minutes later, in added time, Carlos “Charlie” Rodríguez capitalized on the shift in momentum, scoring the game-winning goal for Cruz Azul with a right-footed shot from outside the box. The 3-2 final score sent La Máquina through to the next round to face Tigres. 

The Aftermath:

“Chicharito” faces intense scrutiny. The missed penalty quickly became the main topic of conversation on social media. Fans and pundits alike pointed to Hernández as the primary reason for Chivas’ elimination, leading to a wave of “hate” memes, and fierce criticism. An old quote from the player about his confidence in taking penalties was widely circulated and used against him.

Following the match, a visibly emotional Hernández apologized to the fans present, taking responsibility for the crucial miss. The event has cast a shadow over his return to the club and raised questions about his future with the team.