Cruz Azul Clinches Seventh CONCACAF Champions Cup Title with Dominant 5-0 Victory Over Vancouver Whitecaps
MEXICO CITY (AP) — In a decisive performance, Cruz Azul triumphed 5-0 over Vancouver Whitecaps on Sunday, securing their seventh CONCACAF Champions Cup title. Ángel Sepúlveda was the standout player, scoring twice and finishing the tournament as the top scorer with nine goals.
Cruz Azul’s offensive dominance was evident as they raced to a commanding 4-0 lead by halftime at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Ignacio Rivero opened the scoring in the seventh minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse from the Whitecaps with a composed left-footed shot. Lorenzo Faravelli followed up with a long-range effort that found the net after striking the post.
Sepúlveda added to the scoreline with a sliding finish in the 37th minute, and Mateusz Bogusz rounded off the first-half scoring just before the break. Sepúlveda extended the lead further with a header in the 50th minute, showcasing Cruz Azul’s relentless attack.
Against the backdrop of their home fans, Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper Kevin Mier recorded his fourth clean sheet of the tournament, with the Whitecaps failing to register any shots on goal. Vancouver, aiming to become the first Canadian team to win the tournament, was missing key players including Sebastian Berhalter and captain Ryan Gauld due to suspensions and injuries.
This victory not only ties Cruz Azul with arch-rivals Club America for the most titles in the tournament’s history but also marks their first championship win since the 2013-14 season, when they defeated Tijuana. Cruz Azul advanced to the final after a successful two-legged semi-final against UANL Tigres, making this match the inaugural encounter between the two clubs.
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