The Stakes for Cruz Azul in the Concacaf Champions Final
On June 1, Cruz Azul will face Vancouver Whitecaps at the Olímpico Universitario (CU) stadium for a crucial match that goes beyond just another game. The Cementeros are striving for the Concacaf Champions trophy, which would secure their spot in the Mundial de Clubes 2029 and the Copa Intercontinental in December 2025.
The Dream: Equalling America’s Record
Winning the Concacaf Champions title would tie Cruz Azul with America in having seven titles, matching their historical record. The Máquina has previously triumphed in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1996, 1997, and 2014. This victory would not only be a significant milestone but also an opportunity to claim the title of Concacaf’s most successful club.
The Debt: Urgency to Secure a Title
For over a year and a half, Cruz Azul has showcased impressive, effective play under the management of Vicente Sánchez and Martín Anselmi. However, they have yet to secure a title. This upcoming match against Vancouver Whitecaps presents an opportunity to rectify this situation and finally bring home a championship.
The Impact of Winning
Securing a Concacaf Champions title guarantees Cruz Azul one of four minimum spots for the 2029 Mundial de Clubes, featuring 32 teams over a month-long tournament. Moreover, the winning team will be eligible to participate in the Copa Intercontinental later that year, facing either the Copa Libertadores or UEFA Champions League winners.
Player Perspectives
Midfielder Carlos Rodríguez expressed his excitement about the prospect of competing against top-tier teams, stating that such matches are the ones players dream of. Meanwhile, striker Ángel Sepúlveda emphasized the team’s commitment to winning a title, acknowledging that their impressive performances thus far have left them craving a championship.
Cruz Azul’s Recent History
Under Martín Anselmi’s guidance during the Apertura 2024, Cruz Azul set a new record of 42 points in a shortened Liga MX season. However, their Liguilla run ended with a semifinal loss to América, 3-4 on aggregate.
In the Clausura 2025, Vicente Sánchez led the team to an impressive 19-game unbeaten streak across Liga MX and Concacachampions, tying the second-best run in club history achieved by Juan Reynoso in 2021. Yet, América again eliminated Cruz Azul in the Liga MX semifinal, this time by position after a 2-2 draw on aggregate.
The Coach’s Future
Vicente Sánchez, who took over Cruz Azul on an interim basis at the start of Clausura 2025, has been a topic of discussion regarding his future with the club. Following their semifinal exit in Liga MX, rumors suggest that Guillermo Almada or Matías Almeyda could replace him post-Concacaf Champions final.
Key Questions and Answers
- What does winning the Concacaf Champions title mean for Cruz Azul? Securing this trophy would tie Cruz Azul with America as the most successful team in Concacaf history with seven titles, and guarantee their participation in the 2029 Mundial de Clubes and Copa Intercontinental in December 2025.
- Why is this match so important for Cruz Azul? This game represents an opportunity to equate America’s title record and finally secure a long-awaited championship after an impressive, effective run under Vicente Sánchez and Martín Anselmi.
- What are the potential consequences if Cruz Azul loses? A loss would prolong their title drought, which has lasted over a year and a half despite their strong performances. It could also impact Vicente Sánchez’s future with the club, as rumors suggest a possible coaching change following the match.
