This weekend, two teams will have a chance to write their names within club folklore by battling for the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup.
At the Estadio Universitario, Cruz Azul will welcome the Vancouver Whitecaps to the Mexican capital to conclude the 64th edition of North America's most prestigious club competition.
What it would mean to win for either side.
Cruz Azul is looking to end an eleven-year wait to win this trophy, going back to 2014, when the away-goal rule helped them defeat fellow Mexican side Toluca in the final. Despite spending more than a decade away from the top spot in North America, La Máquina are the second most successful team in the competition, and a win on Saturday night would move them level at the top with city rivals Club América.
On the other hand, the Vancouver Whitecaps have never found themselves at the top of continental football and are looking to become a rare MLS side to win this tournament.
Since its creation in 1962, only three MLS clubs have ever found themselves at the top of the podium, with the most recent winner being the Seattle Sounders in 2022. In winning their first and only title, the Sounders defeated Pumas UNAM and ended a 15-year run of Liga MX sides winning the Champions Cup. The other two MLS winners were the LA Galaxy in 1999 and DC United in 1997.
Both sides are trying to create history this weekend, but for polar opposite reasons. Either one will rise to the top, but will it be another Mexican champion or a new name on the trophy, bringing glory back to the MLS.
Cruz Azul's form
The 2024/25 season brought its ups and downs for Cruz Azul, who topped the joint points across the Apertura and Clausura, especially dominating during the earlier league format. However, back-to-back semi-final exits in the Liguilla saw the side end the domestic campaign without a trophy.
Whilst Liga MX success eluded La Máquina, a late winner in the Champions Cup semi-final against Tigres put them on track for another title. With the experience favouring them and the final being hosted in their own backyard, the opportunity is there for the Mexican side to put their league woes behind them.
Vancouver Whitecap's form
Undoubtedly the underdogs for this final, but it's been the year of the outsiders. Looking at Toluca's Clausura title, or further afield with Crystal Palace winning the English FA Cup, or Bologna lifting the Italian Coppa Italia.
There are two ways to look at the recent form of the Whitecaps. On one hand, they're unbeaten in their last 15 matches, recording just one loss since February. Alternatively, the Canadians have drawn four of their last five games, needing a last-minute winner against Real Salt Lake to come from two-nil down.
One thing they'll take into this final is their record against Liga MX sides this season. In the build-up to the final, Vancouver caused a stir by sending Monterrey packing in the Round of 16 before doing the same to Pumas in the quarter-final. Making their way to the final four, the Whitecaps dismantled Inter Miami, scoring five goals across the 180 minutes of play.
Everything you need to know
This final is set to be a cracker and kick-off will get underway at 20:00 CST at the Estadio Universitario, Mexico City. American viewers will be able to watch this game on Fox Sports, whilst TUDN will be hosting the curtain closer for those in Mexico.
These two sides have never met each other in a competitive setting, so this game will set off fireworks in more ways than one.
Who do you think will be crowned 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup winners? Let us know!
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