Overview of the Event
Cruz Azul, also known as “La Máquina,” has made it back to the final of the Concacaf Champions League after an 11-year absence. The team triumphed over Tigres in the semifinals, securing a 2-1 aggregate victory with a 1-0 win at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario (CU) in Mexico City. Ángel Sepúlveda scored the crucial penalty goal in the 82nd minute, bringing more than 37,000 passionate fans to their feet in celebration.
Background on Cruz Azul and Tigres
Cruz Azul’s last appearance in the final came in 2014 when they defeated Toluca. Tigres, on the other hand, had reached four previous Concacaf Champions League finals in 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020, winning the trophy in 2020 to advance to FIFA’s Club World Cup. However, they were unable to secure a spot in the 2025 final.
Impact of Cruz Azul’s Victory
Cruz Azul’s success extends their unbeaten streak at CU to 11 matches in 2025, positioning them to potentially claim their seventh Concacaf Champions League title and tie America as the most successful team in the competition’s history. Under Vicente Sánchez’s leadership since Clausura 2025’s third jornada, Cruz Azul has achieved a remarkable record of 14 wins, 8 draws, and only one loss in 23 matches across Liga MX and Concacaf competitions.
Semifinal Details
The semifinal match at CU saw Tigres largely defending their goal until Marcelo Flores committed a handball following Carlos Rodríguez’s shot. After reviewing the situation via VAR, referee Drew Fischer awarded a penalty to Cruz Azul. Tigres’ goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán protested the decision, leading to an additional 10 minutes being added. Despite Cruz Azul’s substitutions of Ozziel Herrera and Uriel Antuna, they couldn’t create a significant scoring opportunity in the additional time.
Upcoming Final and Future Implications
Cruz Azul will face Vancouver Whitecaps, an unexpected Canadian team that eliminated Monterrey, Pumas, and Inter Miami (featuring Lionel Messi), in the 2025 Concacaf Champions League final. The match date and location are yet to be determined, as Concacaf’s regulations allow for a neutral venue if necessary. Starting in 2024, the Concacaf Champions League final will be decided in a single match, unlike the double-leg format from Cruz Azul’s 2014 victory.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Vicente Sánchez? Vicente Sánchez is the current head coach of Cruz Azul, who has led the team to impressive results since taking charge in Clausura 2025.
- Why is Cruz Azul’s return to the final significant? This marks Cruz Azul’s sixth appearance in the Concacaf Champions League final, with a potential seventh title that would tie them with America as the most successful team in the competition’s history.
- What are the future implications for Concacaf Champions League? Starting in 2024, the tournament final will be decided in a single match, altering the format from previous editions.
