Los Esmeraldas lost 2-1 against Cruz Azul on Matchday 16 of the Clausura 2025
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A stoppage-time goal sealed the win for La MáquinaLeón only managed one victory in last five matchesColombian star James Rodríguez in scoring droughtFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
Club León suffered another setback, this time falling 2-1 to Cruz Azul at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where Vicente Sánchez’s side came out on top. La Fiera has now managed just one win in their last five matches, a slump many within the team attribute to the off-field distraction of being expelled from the Club World Cup due to a violation of the tournament’s multi-ownership regulations.
Head coach Eduardo Berizzo opened up about how the decision has impacted the team’s performance, admitting the disqualification from the international competition has dealt a heavy emotional blow.
"You feel mistreated, like you're part of a football environment led by people who bend the rules for hidden interests that dictate the decisions," said Berizzo. "It's surprising that the Mexican Federation hasn’t said a word about this. As someone who’s part of an important league – one that aspires to grow even more – I would’ve liked to hear something, just like I heard from the CONCACAF president and even from Infantino himself, though his statement was completely reckless and unnecessary."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
León is still awaiting the final ruling from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (TAS) regarding whether they will be able to reclaim their spot in the Club World Cup. Meanwhile, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced that the organization intends for América and LAFC to play a match for the vacant spot left by León in the summer tournament.
While León has been embroiled in negative attention, their disappointing results in the Clausura 2025 have only added to the pressure. The team is now solely dependent on the TAS decision. However, it’s no secret that the tribunal is expected to confirm what many already suspect: neither León nor James Rodríguez will be playing in the most anticipated tournament of the summer.
As for Rodríguez, there’s speculation that León may loan the Colombian to his brother club, Pachuca, to provide him with more playing time.
Getty Images SportWHAT EDUARDO BERIZZO SAID
"I'm not revealing anything new by pointing out the people running an organization that’s already under serious suspicion of irregularities. I found their remarks reckless, unnecessary, and inappropriate," said Eduardo Berizzo, strongly criticizing FIFA President Gianni Infantino and how the situation surrounding León's expulsion from the Club World Cup has been handled.
"The president of FIFA shouldn't speak about a possible replacement before the ruling is made. His words carry weight, and he should have stayed neutral while the CAS (Court of Arbitration for Sport) process plays out," Berizzo added, referring to the hearing scheduled for the week of May 5.
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CLUB LEÓN?
León has gone from leading the Clausura 2025 just a few weeks ago to now sitting in fifth place. Berizzo’s squad has yet to secure a direct spot in the Liguilla, and a negative result this Sunday at home against Monterrey could see them fall into the play-in zone.
