La Máquina aim to catch Club América as the tournament’s most successful team with a seventh CONCACAF title

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The final will take place at Estadio Olímpico UniversitarioThe winner secures a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World CupWhitecaps looking to become the first Canadian team to winFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?

Cruz Azul have the opportunity to secure international silverware as they face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, set to take place at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario Sunday night.

Beyond the immediate prestige, the stakes are high: the winner will earn a spot in the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025 Intercontinental Cup. In the lead-up, defender Gonzalo Piovi emphasized the significance of the tournament, particularly in light of the team’s recent disappointment – a semifinal exit at the hands of Club América during the Clausura 2025 campaign in Liga MX.

“We’re approaching this with full commitment," he said. "Representing this badge means fighting for every title, every tournament. We lost our shot at the double in the playoffs, but now all our focus is on Sunday. We’re excited and motivated. Everyone here wants to make history with this club, to win something meaningful. Matches like this don’t require extra motivation – the trophy speaks for itself.”

Piovi also delivered a message to Cruz Azul supporters, who remain hopeful of seeing their team once again crowned champions of CONCACAF. The club last lifted the regional title in 2014, defeating Toluca at the Estadio Nemesio Diez.

“I’m sure the fans are dreaming big," he said. "But from our side, we can’t let that turn into anxiety. Of course, they’ll want us to score early, but we need to approach the game with patience and focus. These finals are often decided by the smallest of details. Hopefully, we can give them the joy they’ve been waiting for.”

AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE

Sunday's outcome will be the culmination of a rollercoaster campaign marked by both adversity and resilience. The turbulence began early in the Clausura 2025 season, when Martín Anselmi unexpectedly departed for FC Porto, leaving the team without a clear direction. Former player Vicente Sánchez stepped in as interim coach, despite lacking full backing from the club’s leadership.

Against the odds, Sánchez turned the narrative around. Under his guidance, Cruz Azul went on a remarkable 19-match unbeaten run, advancing to the Liga MX semifinals and reaching the final of the Champions Cup.

However, following their elimination at the hands of Club América in the league, rumors began to swirl that Sánchez would not continue beyond the season.

Now, with just one match left, Sánchez stands on the brink of capping his brief yet impressive tenure with an international title. In many ways, football owes him a moment of redemption. When asked about rumors surrounding Sánchez's possible departure, Piovi downplayed the speculation.

“We’re not really paying attention to that," he said. "The only thing that matters right now is our preparation and mindset for this match. Whatever happens after will be dealt with later. For now, all that matters is the final.”

Getty Images SportWHAT RUBENS VALENZUELA SAID

As Cruz Azul prepares for the final, emotions are running high – not only on the field, but also behind the scenes. In a pointed message that appeared directed at the club’s leadership, the team’s fitness coach – part of Sánchez’s staff – reflected on the fleeting nature of recognition in football.

“In the world of football, what you did yesterday no longer matters," he said. "This sport has no memory – it's all about the present and the future. Success is incredibly hard to achieve in this business, and even when we reach it, we hardly get to enjoy it – because our minds are already on the next challenge.”

GettyDID YOU KNOW?

The last time Cruz Azul reached Champions Cup final was in 2014 – a memorable clash against Toluca that unfolded at the Estadio Nemesio Diez. The Cementeros lifted the trophy thanks to the away goals rule, after a tense two-legged series.

The first leg, played at the Estadio Azul in Mexico City, ended in a goalless draw. In the return match at "La Bombonera" Toluca and Cruz Azul drew 1-1, with goals from Édgar Benítez for the hosts and Mariano Pavone for the visitors. That away goal was enough to crown Cruz Azul.

Cruz Azul claimed their sixth CONCACAF title, adding to their wins in 1969, 1970, 1971, 1996, and 1997. The Mexico City-based club is tied with Pachuca as the second-most successful team in the competition’s history – both trailing Club América, who leads with seven.

Now, more than a decade later, Cruz Azul returns to the grand stage, hoping to write a new chapter in its storied international legacy.