Cruz Azul Kicks Off Concacaf Champions Cup Campaign Against Real Hope

MONTERREY, Mexico — Cruz Azul began its journey in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup on Tuesday, February 4, facing Real Hope in the Dominican Republic. The match marks the start of the prestigious club tournament for the Mexican team under new head coach Vicente Sánchez, who took over after Martín Anselmi‘s abrupt departure to Porto.

Cruz Azul, known as La Máquina, is aiming to secure an early advantage in the two-legged series, with the return match scheduled in Mexico City. The winner will advance to the Round of 16 in a tournament that features 27 clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The competition also serves as a pathway to the expanded FIFA Club World Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

The Concacaf Champions Cup follows a knockout format, with the first four rounds played as home-and-away series. The final, however, is a single match. Of the 27 participating teams, 22 start in the first round, while five receive byes to the Round of 16.

For Cruz Azul, the match against Real Hope comes amid a grueling schedule. The team has faced multiple consecutive trips, raising concerns about player fatigue. Despite being the heavy favorite, the lack of rest could impact performance. Coach Sánchez has called up nearly the entire squad, with only Mateusz Bogusz, Jorge Sánchez, and Erik Lira sidelined due to injuries.

Real Hope, meanwhile, views the match as a historic opportunity. Juan Carlos Narea, a former star of the Haitian team, expressed the significance of the occasion: “It’s a dream come true to play in the Concachampions. Cruz Azul is a big team with a huge reputation in world football.”

The game will not be broadcast on Fox Sports, as in previous years, but fans can watch it for free on the streaming service Tubi or via Concacaf’s official YouTube channel. Cruz Azul’s projected starting lineup includes Kevin Mier in goal, with Nacho Rivero, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, and Chiquete Orozco in defense. The midfield features Rodolfo Rotondi, Lorenzo Faravelli, Carlos Rodríguez, and Alexis Gutiérrez, while Luka Romero and Ángel Sepúlveda lead the attack.

The outcome of this series could determine Sánchez’s future with the club. Despite recent challenges, the Uruguayan coach has the backing of Cruz Azul’s board, at least for now. A strong performance in the Concacaf Champions Cup could solidify his position.