When Chivas de Guadalajara takes the field against Cruz Azul on Thursday, November 27, 2025, it won’t just be another playoff match—it’ll be a statement. The first leg of their Liga MX Apertura 2025 Liguilla quarterfinalEstadio Akron kicks off at 9:07 PM Eastern Time, and for fans across the U.S. and Mexico, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Chivas, riding a seven-win streak in their last eight matches, is suddenly the hottest team in the playoffs. Cruz Azul, the No. 3 seed, isn’t just a favorite—they’re a dynasty in waiting. And this clash? It’s the most electric matchup in the entire Liguilla.
Why This Series Matters More Than Ever
Chivas finished the regular season in sixth place with 29 points from 17 matches—nine wins, two draws, six losses. On paper, that’s not dominant. But look closer. They’ve won seven of their last eight games. Their final match—a 4-2 demolition of Monterrey on November 23—featured goals from Efrain Alvarez, Armando Gonzalez, Roberto Alvarado, and the legendary Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández. That’s not luck. That’s momentum. Meanwhile, Cruz Azul, with 36 points, was the third-best team in the league. They beat Chivas 2-1 back in August at Estadio Akron. But that was a different Chivas. This one? Hungrier. Louder. More dangerous.
The Grupo Omnilife umbrella, which owns Chivas, has poured resources into rebuilding the club’s identity since the days of Jorge Vergara. Now, under his son, Amaury Vergara, the team isn’t just playing for trophies—it’s playing for legacy. And Chivas TV, their own streaming platform, has become a powerhouse of content: live training, behind-the-scenes docs, youth academy features. This isn’t just soccer. It’s culture.
Where to Watch: U.S. and Mexico Broadcast Breakdown
If you’re in the U.S., here’s how to catch every second:
- First leg (Nov. 27): Universo, DirecTV Stream, and Peacock Premium (ad-supported: $10.99/month; ad-free: $16.99/month)
- Second leg (Nov. 30): Univision, TUDN, DirecTV Stream, and ViX
In Mexico? Both legs stream exclusively on Prime Video. Fubo TV’s Latino Package ($33/month) also includes Liga MX, but Peacock remains the most affordable option for hardcore fans. And yes—there’s a discrepancy. Some sources list the first leg at 9:05 PM ET. Others say 9:07. The official kickoff time from ESPN and DirecTV Insider confirms 9:07 PM ET. 365Scores? It wrongly lists the match on Friday the 28th. Don’t trust that.
For those who remember the 2023 playoffs, when Chivas fell to Tigres in the semis after a controversial penalty call, this is redemption season. The club hasn’t won a league title since 2006. But with Chicharito still scoring, Alvarez still dancing past defenders, and a fanbase louder than ever, this team feels different.
The Rivalry That Never Sleeps
Cruz Azul and Chivas have met 124 times in Liga MX history. Only five of those matches ended in a draw. The last time they faced off in the playoffs? 2019—Cruz Azul won 3-1 on aggregate. But that was before Chivas’ resurgence. Now, they’re the team with the most momentum. According to Viva Liga MX, this is “arguably the closest matchup in the Apertura 2025 Liguilla” between two “Gigantes.” And that’s not hyperbole. Both clubs have over 20 million combined social media followers. Both have sold-out stadiums. Both have decades of heartbreak and glory etched into their jerseys.
Chivas’ home, Estadio Akron in Zapopan, is a cauldron. The stands turn red. The chants echo for miles. The second leg at Estadio Azul in Mexico City? That’s where Cruz Azul thrives—100,000 fans, a deafening wall of noise. But Chivas have won their last three away games. That’s not a fluke. That’s belief.
What’s Next? Semifinals, Legacy, and the Road to the Final
The winner advances to the semifinals, scheduled for December 3–7, 2025. If Chivas wins, they’ll likely face either Club América or Tigres—both giants. But first, they have to get past Cruz Azul. And if they do? The Clásico Nacional against América becomes not just a fixture, but a coronation. The Clásico Tapatío against Atlas? That was on October 25. Already in the rearview. This? This is the real test.
Chivas’ president, Amaury Vergara, has quietly built something remarkable. No longer just a club defined by its past, Chivas is becoming a modern force—fueled by youth, veteran leadership, and a digital empire that includes Chivas TV. They’re not just broadcasting games anymore. They’re telling stories. And this playoff run? It’s their biggest chapter yet.
Timeline: Key Dates for the Liguilla
- November 23, 2025: Chivas defeats Monterrey 4-2 (final regular-season match)
- November 27, 2025, 9:07 PM ET: Chivas vs Cruz Azul, Leg 1 at Estadio Akron
- November 30, 2025, 8:00 PM ET: Cruz Azul vs Chivas, Leg 2 at Estadio Azul
- December 3–7, 2025: Liga MX Semifinals
- December 14–15, 2025: Liga MX Final (TBD)
Frequently Asked Questions
How can U.S. fans watch Chivas vs Cruz Azul without cable?
U.S. viewers can stream both legs via Peacock Premium ($10.99/month with ads or $16.99/month ad-free), DirecTV Stream, or ViX. Peacock is the most cost-effective option for the first leg, while ViX and Univision carry the second leg. No cable subscription is required—just an internet connection and a subscription. Fubo TV’s Latino Package is another alternative at $33/month, but it’s more expensive if you only want Liga MX.
Why is Chivas considered the most in-form team despite finishing sixth?
Chivas finished sixth with 29 points, but their form over the last two months is unmatched: seven wins in eight matches, including a 4-2 win over Monterrey with Chicharito scoring. Cruz Azul, while higher-ranked, has been inconsistent in their final five games. In playoff soccer, momentum often outweighs regular-season position. Chivas’ defense has tightened, and their attack is clicking—making them the most dangerous team entering the Liguilla.
What role does Chivas TV play in the club’s strategy?
Chivas TV, operated by Grupo Omnilife, isn’t just a streaming service—it’s a brand extension. It offers live matches, training sessions, youth academy content, and exclusive interviews, deepening fan engagement beyond matchdays. This direct-to-consumer model reduces reliance on broadcast partners and builds loyalty among younger, digital-native fans. It’s a rare success story in Mexican soccer, helping Chivas compete financially with giants like América and Tigres.
What’s at stake for Chivas if they win this series?
Winning this quarterfinal would end a 19-year drought without a Liga MX title and reestablish Chivas as Mexico’s most iconic club. It would validate Amaury Vergara’s rebuild and silence critics who say the club has lost its edge. A semifinal berth would also guarantee lucrative TV revenue, sponsorships, and international exposure—key to sustaining growth. Most importantly, it would give fans hope that a title isn’t just a memory, but a possibility again.
Are there any streaming issues to watch out for during the matches?
Yes. Peacock has occasionally experienced buffering during high-traffic matches, especially when multiple U.S. markets tune in simultaneously. DirecTV Stream has been more reliable, but requires a stable internet connection. In Mexico, Prime Video has had near-perfect uptime for Liga MX matches. To avoid disruptions, download the apps in advance, test your connection, and consider using a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi for the best quality.
What happened in the last meeting between Chivas and Cruz Azul?
On August 30, 2025, Cruz Azul won 2-1 at Estadio Akron with goals from Jose Paradela and Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi. Diego Campillo scored for Chivas. That match was a turning point—it exposed Chivas’ defensive vulnerabilities, which they’ve since corrected. Since then, they’ve conceded just three goals in their last seven matches. The narrative has flipped: now, Cruz Azul must find a way to break down a more disciplined Chivas side.
