Cruz Azul is heading back to the Concachampions final after an eleven-year absence! Their 1-0 victory over Tigres (2-1 aggregate) secured their spot in the championship match against the Vancouver Whitecaps on June 1st. This win marks a triumphant return to the pinnacle of CONCACAF club competition for the Cementeros.
Ángel Sepúlveda’s 82nd-minute penalty proved to be the decisive moment, silencing Tigres’ offensive efforts and securing Cruz Azul’s hard-fought victory. The away goal from the first leg proved crucial, putting pressure on Tigres to score twice in Mexico City. Despite Tigres’ attempts to control possession, Cruz Azul showcased their strategic prowess, effectively disrupting Tigres’ rhythm and creating multiple scoring chances of their own. Players like Sepúlveda, Gabriel “Toro” Fernández, Ignacio Rivero, and Mateusz Bogusz were instrumental in generating attacking plays, although some opportunities were missed.
Manager Vicente Sánchez’s tactical decisions and the team’s overall resilience were key to their success. The team’s impressive run of 16 games unbeaten since Sánchez took over, with only one loss against Tigres in the Clausura 2015 Liga MX, speaks volumes about their current form and strength. The team even overcame the absence of key players due to injury, demonstrating impressive depth and adaptability.
This victory is a testament to Cruz Azul’s determination and ability to perform under pressure. They’ll face a tough opponent in the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final, but their recent performance suggests that they are more than capable of contending for the title. The wait is over for Cruz Azul; their journey to claim the Concachampions trophy is far from over.
The final will be a captivating showdown, pitting the resilient Cruz Azul against the challenging Vancouver Whitecaps. The stage is set for a thrilling championship match; let’s see if Cruz Azul can break their eleven-year drought and finally lift the coveted trophy.
