Cruz Azul claims preseason Copa GNP on late PK
Cementeros edged past the Chivas as Liga MX season beckons
Cruz Azul claimed the Copa GNP trophy Sunday night after a late penalty provided the margin of victory against the Chivas. Jonathan Rodríguez converted from the spot in minute 90+5 after Guadalajara defender Gil Sepúlveda smacked Luis Romo in the face as both leaped for a high ball in the box.
The Chivas felt hard done by (GM Ricardo Peláez screamed at the refs as they walked off the field after the match), but video replay did not absolve the young defender.
The Cementeros will hope the victory provides some momentum as the Guardianes 2020 season kicks off this week. The Mexico City club sat atop the Clausura 2020 standings – and the Playing for 90 Power Rankings – when the season was shut down in mid-March.
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Cruz Azul enjoyed the better of possession and field position during most of the first half, but did not really test Chivas keeper José Antonio Rodríguez. Just three minutes into the second half, their failure to capitalize looked like it might have cost them.
The Chivas earned a corner kick – their first of the match – and Cruz Azul botched their coverage. Twice, the Cementeros had chances to clear as the ball was deflected out to the back side where Uriel Antuna collected it and recentered. Two defenders whiffed on clearance efforts and the ball bounced to Alexis Vega who took the original corner kick. Vega – unmarked – fired past Jesús Corona from a sharp angle and the Chivas led 1-0.
Cruz Azul finds the equalizer
The Cementeros responded almost immediately. Midfielder Luis Romo stole a weak clearance by Chivas defender Hiram Mier and stepped to the touch line where he cut back a pass, looking for a teammate. Mier scrambled into the goal mouth to protect his keeper but inadvertently steered Romo’s pass into the net.
The second half was choppier than the first half as both teams substituted liberally. Cruz Azul put pressure on the Chivas defense as Guadalajara looked for counter-attack opportunities. The Chivas moved their lines forward in an effort to press higher up the pitch, but were unable to unlock the Cementeros formation. Isaac Brizuela came close in minute 88, dribbling around two Cruz Azul defenders to get deep in the box, but Romo blocked his centering pass.
The Final seemed headed for a penalty kick shoot-out when Sepúlveda rose up to contest a ball inside the top of the box. The 21-year-old defender cleared space with his arm, catching Romo with a left fist to the face.
After a brief delay, ref Oscar Mejía whistled the play dead and pointed to the spot. The Chivas argued to no avail as Mejía showed Sepúlveda a yellow card, his second of the match, sending the defender to the showers.
A few minutes later, “Cabecita” Rodríguez stepped up, sent his namesake in the wrong direction and fired into the net to give Cruz Azul the win.
dark. Next. How Chivas, Cementeros reached Final
Both teams will quickly turn their attention to the regular season. The Chivas host León on Saturday night while Cruz Azul opens at home against Santos Laguna that same night.