Cruz Azul delivered a stunning display of dominance to claim the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, crushing Vancouver Whitecaps FC 5–0 in a one-sided final at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. The victory marked Cruz Azul’s seventh continental title, equaling Club América’s record and firmly reestablishing the club as a regional powerhouse.

 
Ángel Sepúlveda Shines Again

Ángel Sepúlveda was the standout performer of the night, scoring twice and finishing as the tournament’s Golden Bootwinner with nine goals. The forward netted Cruz Azul’s third and fifth goals of the night, the second with a precise header that sealed Vancouver’s fate. His poise, movement, and finishing have made him one of the top forwards in Liga MX, and now, a hero on the international stage.

 
Early Goals Sink Vancouver

Cruz Azul wasted no time asserting their superiority. Ignacio Rivero opened the scoring in the 8th minute with a clean strike, followed by Lorenzo Faravelli’s well-taken goal in the 28th minute. Vancouver’s defense was in disarray, and when Mateusz Bogusz scored a fourth just before halftime, it was clear the MLS side was outmatched. The Whitecaps failed to register a single shot on target, highlighting their struggle to cope with Cruz Azul’s intensity.

 
Vicente Sánchez Leads Cruz Azul to Glory

Under the leadership of head coach Vicente Sánchez, who took charge earlier this year, Cruz Azul looked organized, lethal, and focused. Sánchez’s tactics paid off handsomely, and despite speculation about his future, he reaffirmed his commitment post-match:

"Giving back to the people who trusted in me is the best thing that can happen."
With this victory, Sánchez becomes one of the few coaches to lift the CONCACAF Champions Cup in their debut season with a club.

 
Kevin Mier Secures the Golden Glove

While the attack stole headlines, Kevin Mier was a wall in goal. The Cruz Azul goalkeeper kept his fourth clean sheet of the tournament and was awarded the Golden Glove. His performances throughout the competition were crucial to the club’s journey and reinforced his reputation as one of the top keepers in the region.

 
Vancouver’s Historic Run Ends in Disappointment

Despite the heavy defeat, Vancouver Whitecaps deserve credit for reaching their first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup final. Wins over CF Monterrey and UNAM Pumas had built hope, but in the final, they missed key midfielder Sebastian Berhalter, and their attacking threat was neutralized.
Coach Jesper Sørensen said:

"We made a great tournament, we've beaten great teams on our way, but today we couldn't put on a performance to beat a really good team like Cruz Azul."

 
What’s Next: Intercontinental and Club World Cup Awaits

With this win, Cruz Azul qualifies for the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025 and the FIFA Club World Cup 2029, setting the stage for international showdowns against the world’s best. It’s a remarkable turnaround for a club that hadn’t won the regional crown since the 2013–14 season.

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