Cruz Azul and Vancouver meet in CONCACAF final with history at stake

MEXICO CITY - Hosts Cruz Azul will look to clinch a record-equalling seventh continental title in Sundays CONCACAF Champions Cup final, while their opponents the Vancouver Whitecaps are aiming to be the first Canadian club to be crowned champions.

The winner of the final at Mexico Citys Estadio Olimpico Universitario will also qualify for the expanded 2029 FIFA Club World Cup and this years Intercontinental Cup.

Cruz Azul are eager to end their season on a high and bounce back from a Mexican league semi-final loss to Club America by claiming a CONCACAF crown that would draw them level with their arch rivals in continental honours.

The nine-time Liga MX winners cemented their status as favourites with a 7–0 aggregate thrashing of Haitis Real Hope, a commanding 4–1 win over MLS side Seattle Sounders, and back-to-back 2–1 victories over America and fellow Mexican heavyweights Tigres UANL en route to the final.

Sunday could also mark coach Vicente Sanchezs farewell, with local media reporting he is set to step down after just six months in charge.

Reaching the final takes a lot of hard work and a lot of gratitude, Sanchez told reporters as his side reached their first CONCACAF final since 2014.

We want to repay all the support we have and try to win things because Cruz Azul demands to win things.

The Canadians, however, have been no strangers to the underdog label throughout the competition.

After a first-round win over Costa Ricas Saprissa, the 2024 Canadian Championship winners stunned Mexican sides Monterrey and Pumas UNAM before a stunning 5-1 aggregate win over Lionel Messis Inter Miami in the semis.

Unlike their opponents, Vancouver arrive in good form, on the back of a 15-game unbeaten streak across all competitions while leading the MLS Western Conference standings.

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