MEXICO CITY (AP) — In a thrilling encounter that showcased the grit and determination of both teams, Cruz Azul edged past UANL Tigres with a narrow 1-0 victory on Thursday, May 1, 2025, to secure their place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final. The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when striker Angel Sepulveda converted a penalty kick, sending the Mexico City crowd into a frenzy.
With this win, Cruz Azul will now face the Vancouver Whitecaps, who advanced after defeating Lionel Messi's Inter Miami in the other semifinal match. The matchup promises to be an exciting clash as both teams vie for the prestigious title.
Sepulveda, the 34-year-old forward, has been in sensational form throughout the tournament. His penalty kick not only clinched the victory for Cruz Azul but also marked his seventh goal of the competition, adding to his impressive tally of two assists. "I was able to help to get the win today and to qualify for the long-awaited final for us," Sepulveda expressed after the match. "We take pride in being back in the final; it is a big step, and we deserve to win it. We respect Vancouver, but we are going to try to win it."
The match itself was a tightly contested affair, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. However, the turning point came when Marcelo Flores of Tigres was penalized for handling the ball inside the area, leading to the crucial penalty kick. Sepulveda stepped up confidently, firing a shot straight down the middle to beat Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán.
This victory is particularly significant for Cruz Azul, as they are seeking their first regional crown since the 2013-14 season when they triumphed over Tijuana. The team has a storied history in the tournament, with Mexican clubs winning nine of the last ten finals, and they are eager to add another title to their illustrious legacy.
On the other side, UANL Tigres, who had previously advanced past MLS's LA Galaxy, were aiming to secure their first CONCACAF title since 2020. Despite the disappointment of this semifinal loss, Tigres remain a formidable force in Mexican football, and their performance in this tournament showcased their potential.
The upcoming final against Vancouver will be a momentous occasion, not just for Cruz Azul but for the entire CONCACAF region. The Whitecaps are looking to make history as the first Canadian team to win the Champions Cup, and they have gained significant respect in Mexico following their impressive performance against Inter Miami.
As the teams prepare for the final showdown, both sides will undoubtedly be looking to capitalize on their strengths. The Whitecaps, under the guidance of head coach Vanni Sartini, will be eager to continue their momentum while Cruz Azul, managed by Ricardo Ferretti, will aim to leverage their experience and home advantage.
With the match set to take place in the coming days, excitement is building among fans and analysts alike. The stakes are high, and both teams will be keen to leave their mark on this prestigious tournament.
As the clock ticks down to the final, all eyes will be on the players as they prepare to battle it out for glory. Will Cruz Azul reclaim their former glory, or will the Vancouver Whitecaps etch their name in history as the first Canadian champions? One thing is for certain: the CONCACAF Champions Cup final is shaping up to be a must-watch event.
