Cruz Azul took home a record-equally seventh Concacaf Champions Cup title with a defiant performance over the Vancouver Whitecaps.
It was a night to remember for all associated with the blue side of Mexico City, who welcomed a return to the top of North American football for the first time since 2014.
The final had everything it needed to be a classic. Cruz Azul were chasing a seventh title that would tie them with Club América for the most in the competition's history, whilst Vancouver were looking to become the fourth MLS side to ever climb to the top. After defeating Pumas and Monterrey along the way, the Canadian side set their sights on beating a third Mexican side in their own backyard
As for La Máquina, their season came to an early halt with yet another semi-final defeat to Club América in the Liga MX Clausura. A season where they recorded the most points of any Mexican side, but would walk away empty-handed unless they could get a win in the Champions Cup final
Cruz Azul vs Vancouver Whitecaps: A final for the history books
Eight minutes is all it took for us to have the opening game of the season. Cruz Azul won the ball deep into the Vancouver half as Rodolfo Rotondi won the ball back and slid it into the path of captain Ignacio Rivero to score in all of his last four games.
Taking an early lead seemed to crush any confidence the Whitecaps had as chances continued to come for the Mexican side, who doubled their lead on the half-hour mark when Lorenzo Faravelli kept his head down and struck from 25 yards to score a sublime second for the hosts of this final.
Any hopes of a comeback were truly crushed ten minutes later when the tournament's top goalscorer, Angel Sepúlveda, was left in space to get on the end of a low driven cross from Rotondi, giving the Argentine full-back a second assist of the night.
Three-nil to the good, and La Máquina were far from done. Searching for blood, they kept knocking and got what they were looking for. As the ball was played to the edge of the box, Mateusz Bogusz did excellently to get the ball out of his feet and direct a shot towards goal, whilst a hefty deflection gave Yohei Takaoka no chance in the Vancouver goal.
The writing was on the wall heading into the second half, and it was just about maintaining pride for the MLS club at that point. That being said, Sepúlveda doubled his tally for the night with an uncontested header from close range, making it five for the night for Cruz Azul.
Vancouver were wounded, down and out, just waiting for the final whistle to blow. As it did, Cruz Azul manager Vicente Sánchez fell to his knees in disbelief at what he and his men were able to accomplish. Ending an 11-year wait for a return to the top, Cruz Azul not only made their way there, but they demolished a Vancouver side hoping and expecting to put up more of a fight.
Concacaf Champions Cup 2025: The aftermath
In the aftermath of Cruz Azul's achievement, these were the following awards handed out:
Player of the Tournament: Angel Sepúlveda (Cruz Azul)
Golden Boot: Angel Sepúlveda (Cruz Azul)
Golden Glove: Kevin Mier (Cruz Azul)
Best Young Player: Noah Allen (Inter Miami)
Twenty four hours after Paris Saint Germain demolished Inter Milan to win their first ever UEFA Champions League title, Cruz Azul were able to replicate that scoreline to become champions of Concacaf. Now, both the Parisians and Mexico City side will be invited to the next FIFA Club World Cup, set to take place in 2029.
Are Cruz Azul worthy winners of the Concacaf Champions Cup 2025? Let us know your thoughts!
Read More: