Uriel Antuna declares his loyalty to Cruz Azul after 2-1 victory over Chivas

Cruz Azul triumphed 2-1 over Chivas de Guadalajara on Saturday at the Estadio Azteca, as goals from Michael Estrada and Uriel Antuna propelled the Mexico City side to three points. 

Antuna opened up the scoring against his former team, finding a pass from Carlos Rotondi before rocketing the right-footed shot into the bottom left corner in the last play of the first half. The player led the celebrations into a corner, taking off his jersey to kiss the badge as fans exploded into a frenzy.  

The Mexican national team player joined Cruz Azul in 2021 from Chivas de Guadalajara, forming part of a trade that saw him join the Mexico City side in exchange for Roberto ‘Piojo’ Alvarado.  

Antuna confirmed he continues to have respect for his former side but feels closer to the colors of Cruz Azul now after almost two seasons.  

"I'm happy for the win, we knew it was going to be a difficult game because we were risking everything, receiving both teams at home, but in the end we took the two points. In the end I have a lot of respect for [Chivas] because it's my former team, but today I owe it to Cruz Azul and I'm from Cruz Azul, I love the institution more and more and I feel the colors more and more," he said to TUDN after the match. 

The Mexico City team has now clinched a spot in the playoffs as they sit in seventh on the Liga MX table. Now, Antuna insists the team is targeting the trophy. 

"To become champion, there is no other choice. it was the idea when the coach arrived, we are going to give everything, as I said before to whoever we get and however we get it. You have to do well in your club to also be well in the National Team and leave the last word to the coach.”

Playoffs kick off next week, as teams from fifth to 12th place on the table compete for a spot in the finals. The top four clubs will advance directly into the quarterfinals.