Cruz Azul's 2-1 Win Over Atlético San Luis Highlights

**⚔️ Cruz Azul vs. Atlético San Luis: A Liga MX Clausura 2025 Thriller – Full Match Recap, Stats & Drama 🏆**

The **Clausura 2025** clash between **Cruz Azul** and **Atlético San Luis** on **Matchday 12** was a rollercoaster of emotions, tactical battles, and late-game heroics that left fans breathless! 🌟 With playoff implications on the line, both teams delivered a spectacle packed with **goals, red cards, and VAR drama**. Let’s break down every heart-stopping moment, and why this match is a must-watch replay!

🌟 **Pre-Match Context: Stakes, Form, and Lineups**

**Cruz Azul**, the **Liga MX giants** with 9 titles, entered this game fighting to stay in the **top 4**, while **Atlético San Luis**, the underdogs, aimed to climb into playoff contention. The Estadio Azteca buzzed with energy as 45,000 fans witnessed a showdown of contrasting styles:

- **Cruz Azul**: Unbeaten in **4 matches** (3 wins, 1 draw), relying on their **stingy defense** (2nd-best in Liga MX).

- **Atlético San Luis**: Winless in 3 games but boasting the league’s **3rd-best attack** led by Argentine striker **Germán Berterame**.

**Key Absences**:

- Cruz Azul: Midfield maestro **Erik Lira** (suspended).

- San Luis: Defender **Unai Bilbao** (injury).

### ⚽ **First Half: Cruz Azul’s Dominance Meets Resistance**

**18’ – GOAL! Uriel Antuna Sparks the Party! 🎯**

Cruz Azul’s **Uriel Antuna** broke the deadlock with a **clinical finish** after a dazzling solo run, cutting inside from the right and curling a left-footed shot past San Luis’ keeper **Andrés Sánchez**. The assist came from **Carlos Rodríguez**, who exploited San Luis’ high defensive line.

**32’ – Near-Equalizer! Berterame Denied by the Crossbar! 😱**

San Luis’ **Germán Berterame** nearly leveled the score, smashing a header off the crossbar from a pinpoint **Javier Güemez cross**. Cruz Azul’s defense scrambled to clear the danger.

**Halftime Stats**:

- **Possession**: Cruz Azul 54% - 46% San Luis

- **Shots**: Cruz Azul 7 (3 on target) - San Luis 5 (2 on target)

- **Fouls**: 9 total, reflecting San Luis’ physical approach to disrupt Cruz Azul’s rhythm.

### 🥊 **Second Half: Chaos, Controversy & Comeback Drama**

**57’ – RED CARD! Cruz Azul Reduced to 10 Men! 🛑**

Cruz Azul’s defender **Juan Escobar** received a **straight red** for a reckless challenge on Berterame, shifting momentum to San Luis. The decision sparked heated protests, but VAR upheld the call.

**68’ – GOAL! Berterame Finally Delivers! 🔥**

San Luis capitalized on the numerical advantage as **Berterame** tapped in a rebound after Cruz Azul’s keeper **Sebastián Jurado** parried a fierce shot from **Vitinho**. The away fans erupted!

**82’ – VAR Drama! Cruz Azul’s Penalty Overturned! 📺**

**Ángel Romero** thought he’d won a penalty after a collision in the box, but VAR ruled it a **dive**, booking the Paraguayan instead. Cruz Azul’s bench fumed!

**90+4’ – WINNER! Ignacio Rivero Heads in at the Death! 🚀**

Against all odds, **Ignacio Rivero** rose highest to nod in a **Roberto Alvarado cross**, sealing a **2-1 victory** for Cruz Azul! Pandemonium erupted in the Azteca!

### 📊 **Full-Time Stats**:

- **Possession**: Cruz Azul 51% - San Luis 49%

- **Shots**: Cruz Azul 14 (5 on target) - San Luis 12 (4 on target)

- **Corners**: 6-4 to Cruz Azul.

- **Discipline**: 4 yellow cards, 1 red card, and 21 fouls.

### 🏅 **Key Performers & Flops**

1. **Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul)**: 1 goal, 4 dribbles, 2 key passes. 🌟

2. **Germán Berterame (San Luis)**: 1 goal, 3 aerial duels won, relentless pressing. 💪

3. **Ignacio Rivero (Cruz Azul)**: Match-winning goal, 88% pass accuracy. 🦸

**Underwhelming**:

- **Vitinho (San Luis)**: Wasted 3 clear chances.

- **Juan Escobar (Cruz Azul)**: Red card forced his team into survival mode.

### 📈 **Tactical Breakdown: How Cruz Azul Stole Victory**

- **10-Man Grit**: Despite Escobar’s dismissal, Cruz Azul’s compact 4-4-1 stifled San Luis’ width.

- **Counterattack Mastery**: Rivero’s winner came from a rapid transition, exploiting San Luis’ fatigue.

- **San Luis’ Missed Chances**: 12 shots but only 4 on target – a recurring issue for the visitors.

### 🗣️ **Post-Match Reactions**

- **Martín Anselmi (Cruz Azul Coach)**: “This win shows our character. Even with 10 men, we believed!”

- **Gustavo Leal (San Luis Coach)**: “We dominated but lacked composure. The playoff race isn’t over.”

- **Fans on Social Media**:

- “Rivero’s header = LEGENDARY! 💙” – @LaMaquinaFan

- “VAR robbed us AGAIN 😤” – @SanLuisWarriors

### 🌍 **League Implications**

- **Cruz Azul**: Jumps to **3rd place**, 4 points behind leaders Monterrey.

- **San Luis**: Stuck in **10th**, 3 points off the playoff spots. Their next 3 games are **must-win**.

### 📺 **How to Watch Highlights & Replays**

- **Mexico**: TUDN, Azteca Deportes.

- **Streaming**: Vix+, ESPN+ (extended highlights).

- **Global**: Liga MX Official YouTube Channel (5-minute recap).

### 🔮 **What’s Next?**

- **Cruz Azul**: Face **Tigres UANL** in a **top-of-the-table showdown**.

- **San Luis**: Host **Necaxa** in a **do-or-die clash** for playoff hopes.

**Final Whistle** 🎧

The **Cruz Azul vs. Atlético San Luis** clash had it all: red cards, VAR drama, and a last-gasp winner! While Cruz Azul’s title dreams stay alive, San Luis must regroup fast. One thing’s clear: **Liga MX’s drama is unmatched**!

**Drop your thoughts below!** ⬇️🔥 Did Cruz Azul deserve the win, or did San Luis get robbed? Let’s debate!