Cruz Azul Advances to Concacaf Champions Final After Defeating Tigres UANL

MÉXICO CITY, Mexico — Cruz Azul secured a place in the final of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup with a thrilling 1-0 victory over Tigres UANL at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario on May 2. The win allowed Cruz Azul to advance with a 2-1 aggregate score, marking a critical step toward reclaiming a title they last won 11 years ago.

The match saw its decisive moment in the 82nd minute when Ángel Sepúlveda converted a penalty, igniting jubilation among the home crowd. Both teams displayed their offensive strength from the match’s outset. Just two minutes in, a goal by Tigres’ Nicolás Ibáñez was ruled offside, setting the tone for a contest filled with near misses and important saves.

In the first half, both teams had their chances. Tigres’ Juan Brunetta tested Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper Kevin Mier with a powerful shot, while Sepúlveda saw his effort disallowed for offside. Ignacio Rivero also came close for Cruz Azul with a header saved by Nahuel Guzmán.

The second half brought more drama as Tigres missed several scoring opportunities. Sebastián Córdova’s attempt was stopped by Mier, and the game appeared destined for overtime. However, a handball by Marcelo Flores in the box led to a penalty kick for Cruz Azul, which Sepúlveda handled with composure.

With this victory, Cruz Azul prepares to face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final on June 1, 2025. The Whitecaps booked their spot by defeating Inter Miami 5-1 on aggregate in the semifinals, a surprising result considering Miami’s star-studded lineup featuring Lionel Messi.

The upcoming final promises to be exciting, pitting a storied Mexican club against a rising contender from Major League Soccer. Cruz Azul head coach Vicente Sánchez expressed his pride in the team, stating, “This victory is a testament to our hard work and determination. We are ready to compete for the title and bring it back to Mexico.” Fan anticipation is palpable as many hope Cruz Azul can win their seventh Concachampions title, which would tie them with Club América as the tournament’s most successful team.

The final will take place at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, although Concacaf has yet to confirm the venue officially. If the match ends in a draw, it will move to BC Place Stadium in Vancouver. This adds an extra layer of intrigue, as both teams have shown they can perform under pressure.

As the final approaches, fans and analysts will closely observe the strategies deployed by both Sánchez and Vancouver’s coach, Jesper Sørensen. The Whitecaps have proven their resilience by overcoming tough opponents, including Monterrey and Pumas, en route to the final.

Cruz Azul’s journey to the final has not been easy, facing stiff competition in the knockout stages, including a hard-fought win over Club América in the quarterfinals. Each match tested their resilience and skill, leading to this opportunity to claim the championship.

As both teams prepare for this historic clash, excitement around the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup final grows. Fans are urged to mark their calendars for June 1, as this match could be a defining moment for many players and coaches involved.

With the stakes higher than ever, Cruz Azul and Vancouver Whitecaps are set to battle for regional supremacy. Whether Cruz Azul can secure another trophy or if the Whitecaps will extend their impressive run remains to be seen as the countdown to the final begins.