Cruz Azul will host the Vancouver Whitecaps in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup final after a hard-fought 1-0 win in Leg 2 of their semifinal against Tigres UANL on Thursday night, May 1, 2025. The match, held at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City, saw tournament scoring leader Angel Sepulveda score the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute.
The penalty was awarded after Canadian referee Drew Fischer reviewed a play via VAR and determined that Tigres' Marcelo Flores had committed a handball inside the area. This crucial moment came just as Cruz Azul was looking to break the deadlock after a tense match that saw both teams create chances but fail to find the back of the net until that pivotal moment.
Cruz Azul's victory means they finished the tournament's knockout phase with an impressive record of 3 wins, 3 draws, and no losses, accumulating 12 points. In contrast, the Vancouver Whitecaps, who secured their place in the final with a 3-1 victory against Inter Miami, ended their knockout run with 10 points from 2 wins and 4 draws.
The final is set for Sunday, June 1, 2025, marking the second consecutive year that the Champions Cup final will be a single-match affair. This change followed the tournament's expansion to 27 teams and the introduction of an additional knockout round. Last year's final saw CF Pachuca defeat the Columbus Crew 3-0 at home, while in 2021, CF Monterrey claimed a 1-0 victory over Club America in a similar format.
Cruz Azul's path to the final saw them eliminate Real Hope from Haiti in the first round, followed by a solid 4-1 aggregate win over the Seattle Sounders in the round of 16. They then edged out their fierce rivals, Club América, with a 2-1 aggregate victory in the quarterfinals.
In their semifinal match against Tigres, Cruz Azul demonstrated resilience despite a challenging start. Tigres came out strong, nearly scoring on two occasions within the first seven minutes, including a goal that was ruled offside. However, Cruz Azul gradually found their footing, with captain Ignacio Rivero coming close to scoring with a well-placed header that was saved by Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán.
As the match progressed, Cruz Azul created several opportunities but struggled to convert. Sepulveda had a golden chance to score in the 60th minute but was denied by Guzmán's quick reflexes. Rivero also had a close-range effort saved as Cruz Azul ramped up the pressure in the second half.
With the game still scoreless in the 80th minute, VAR intervened to award Cruz Azul a penalty after a handball was called against Marcelo Flores. Sepulveda stepped up and confidently converted the penalty, marking his seventh goal of the tournament and solidifying his position as the competition's leading scorer.
Despite a late push from Tigres for an equalizer, Cruz Azul held firm, securing their spot in the final and continuing Liga MX's strong representation in the tournament. This will be the 21st consecutive year that a Mexican team features in the final, with Cruz Azul making their ninth appearance, their first since 2014.
Vancouver, meanwhile, reached the final after a dominant performance against Inter Miami, winning 3-1 in the second leg to complete a 5-1 aggregate victory. The Whitecaps showed their strength throughout the knockout rounds, and their journey included a mix of draws and decisive wins, positioning them as formidable opponents for Cruz Azul.
The final will take place at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, which has been a venue of significance for both teams. Vancouver has previously earned two draws on Mexican soil against CF Monterrey and Pumas UNAM, showcasing their ability to compete against Mexican clubs.
The upcoming match promises to be an exciting clash, with both teams eager to lift the trophy. Cruz Azul will look to capitalize on their home advantage and solid form, while Vancouver will aim to continue their impressive run and secure their first Concacaf Champions Cup title.
As the anticipation builds for this highly anticipated final, fans from both sides are gearing up for what promises to be an unforgettable showdown. With both teams showcasing their talents throughout the tournament, the stage is set for a thrilling encounter that will determine the champion of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
