MEXICO CITY — Cruz Azul claimed a decisive victory with a 5-0 triumph over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final, capturing its seventh title in the competition. Ángel Sepúlveda was the star of the match, netting two goals, culminating in a tournament-best total of nine. Additionally, Ignacio Rivero, Lorenzo Faravelli, and Mateusz Bogusz contributed to a commanding 4-0 lead by halftime.
This victory places Cruz Azul alongside Club América, an intra-city rival, for the most titles in this prestigious tournament. It marks the Mexican club’s first championship win since the 2013-14 season, when they triumphed over Tijuana. Meanwhile, the Whitecaps aimed to make history as the Canadian team’s first victory in the tournament and would have been the first Major League Soccer champion since the Seattle Sounders clinched the title in 2022.
Coach Vicente Sánchez of Cruz Azul expressed gratitude and the challenging expectations of managing a club of such stature, emphasizing their meticulous preparations with friendly matches and the inclusion of some players joining the national team. The end result justified the rigor, as the team executed a flawless game plan.
Cruz Azul’s offensive prowess was evident early on, capitalizing on every shot in the first half, including Rivero’s seventh-minute strike that enthralled the home audience at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Faravelli extended the lead by taking advantage of another defensive mishap, his shot ricocheting into the net off the post. Sepúlveda’s sliding goal in the 37th minute and Bogusz’s strike just before the break further solidified their dominance.
Adding to their tally, Sepúlveda’s powerful header in the second half completed the barrage of goals. In defense, Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper, Kevin Mier, was unyielding, achieving his fourth clean sheet of the tournament, while the Whitecaps failed to register a single shot on target.
Reflecting on the match, Whitecaps coach Jesper Sorensen acknowledged the team’s struggle with composure and confidence on an intimidating away field. Their challenge was heightened by notable absences, including the suspended Sebastian Berhalter and injured captain Ryan Gauld.
Cruz Azul’s path to the final was marked by success over UANL Tigres across two legs, while interim coach Sánchez faced intense scrutiny about his future. His emotional response at the final whistle underscored the personal significance of the victory.
“It’s day by day for me,” Sánchez shared about his future with the team, relishing the moment of victory with supporters while remaining uncertain about what lies ahead. This match represented the inaugural encounter between Cruz Azul and the Vancouver Whitecaps.