Atlético de San Luis vs. Cruz Azul: Liga MX Apertura 2025 Matchday 4 Report

Match Overview

On August 11, 2025, Atlético de San Luis faced Cruz Azul in a highly anticipated Liga MX Apertura 2025 Matchday 4 clash at the Alfonso Lastras Ramírez Stadium in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. The match, which kicked off at 9:00 PM CDT (11:00 PM ET), was broadcast live on ESPN and streamed on Disney+. With Atlético de San Luis ranked 13th and Cruz Azul in 5th place in the league standings, both teams were eager to secure three points to boost their positions in the competitive Apertura season.

Pre-Match Context

Atlético de San Luis entered the match with a record of 1 win, 0 draws, and 2 losses, accumulating 3 points. Their recent form included a 2-0 victory over Minnesota United in the Leagues Cup, but a 4-3 loss to Guadalajara and a 1-0 defeat to Monterrey in Liga MX highlighted their inconsistency. Cruz Azul, with a record of 1 win, 2 draws, and 0 losses for 5 points, was coming off a mixed Leagues Cup campaign, where they defeated Colorado on penalties but suffered a 7-0 loss to Seattle Sounders. Their Liga MX form showed promise, with a 4-1 win over León and a 3-3 draw against Atlas.

The historical head-to-head record favored Cruz Azul, with 8 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses against San Luis in their last 15 encounters. Notably, Cruz Azul dominated the most recent meeting in March 2025, winning 3-0 in the Clausura. Atlético de San Luis, however, secured a 3-1 victory in their last home game against Cruz Azul in September 2024, giving them hope for an upset.

Both teams reported no significant injuries or suspensions, allowing them to field strong lineups. Atlético de San Luis relied on key players like João Pedro, who led with 2 goals this season, and Andrés Sánchez in goal. Cruz Azul’s attack was spearheaded by Ángel Sepúlveda, the league’s top scorer with 4 goals, supported by a solid defensive unit led by Kevin Mier and Gonzalo Piovi.

Match Updates

First Half

The match began with both teams probing cautiously, resulting in a scoreless first 30 minutes. Cruz Azul controlled possession early, leveraging their superior passing accuracy (502 passes per game compared to San Luis’ 375.7). However, Atlético de San Luis’ defense, anchored by Eduardo Águila and Rodrigo Dourado, held firm, preventing any clear scoring opportunities. No shots on goal or corners were recorded for either side in the opening exchanges, indicating a tightly contested start.

Second Half

The game’s turning point came in the 65th minute when Atlético de San Luis’ João Pedro was sent off with a red card following a VAR review for a knee-high challenge on Cruz Azul’s Willer Ditta. This expulsion left San Luis with 10 players, significantly tilting the match in Cruz Azul’s favor.

Cruz Azul capitalized on their numerical advantage, with Ángel Sepúlveda scoring twice in quick succession to secure a 2-0 lead. The first goal came from a well-executed move involving Carlos Rodríguez, who provided a precise assist, while the second was a clinical finish from Sepúlveda, underlining his status as the league’s top scorer. Despite their efforts, Atlético de San Luis struggled to create chances with a man down, and their attack, led by Benjamín Galdames and Mateo Klimowicz, failed to test Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper Kevin Mier.

Final Score

The match concluded with Cruz Azul defeating Atlético de San Luis 2-0. The result moved Cruz Azul to 8 points, strengthening their position in the top tier of the Liga MX standings, while San Luis remained on 3 points, facing increased pressure to improve their form.

Key Statistics

• Goals Scored: Cruz Azul (2) – Ángel Sepúlveda (2); Atlético de San Luis (0)
• Possession: Cruz Azul dominated with approximately 60% possession, reflecting their superior passing and control.
• Shots: Cruz Azul recorded more shot attempts, though specific numbers were not available post-match. Atlético de San Luis had limited attempts, particularly after the red card.
• Cards: João Pedro (Atlético de San Luis) received a red card in the 65th minute. No yellow cards were reported.
• Saves: Andrés Sánchez (San Luis) made 10 saves this season, while Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul) added to his 6 saves, maintaining a clean sheet.

Analysis

Cruz Azul’s victory was a testament to their tactical discipline and ability to exploit opportunities. The red card to João Pedro was a pivotal moment, as it disrupted San Luis’ game plan and allowed Cruz Azul to dictate the tempo. Ángel Sepúlveda’s clinical finishing and Carlos Rodríguez’s playmaking were crucial, while the defensive solidity of Piovi and Ditta ensured a clean sheet. Atlético de San Luis showed resilience but lacked the creativity to break down Cruz Azul’s defense, especially after going a man down. Their reliance on João Pedro for goals was evident, and his absence in future matches could pose challenges.

Looking Ahead

Cruz Azul will aim to build on this win as they chase a top-four spot in the Apertura, with their next match offering a chance to maintain momentum. Atlético de San Luis, however, must regroup quickly to address their defensive vulnerabilities and find alternative attacking options without João Pedro. The upcoming matches against Pumas, Necaxa, and others will test their ability to climb the standings.

Where to Follow

This match showcased Cruz Azul’s strength and Atlético de San Luis’ potential, but the red card ultimately defined the outcome. As the Apertura 2025 season progresses, both teams will look to refine their strategies in pursuit of playoff qualification.