Cruz Azul beats the UANL Tigres and will play Vancouver in the CONCACAF final 2025

In a thrilling semifinal clash, Cruz Azul secured their spot in the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup final by defeating UANL Tigres in a hard-fought battle. The Mexican giants will now face Vancouver Whitecaps FC in a historic final, where both clubs will compete for continental glory and a ticket to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.
Cruz Azul Overcomes Tigres in Semifinal Showdown

Cruz Azul, one of Mexico’s most storied clubs, entered the semifinal as underdogs against a strong Tigres side. However, La Máquina Celeste delivered a resilient performance, leveraging their defensive solidity and clinical finishing to edge past the reigning Liga MX champions. After a tense first leg that ended in a narrow lead for Cruz Azul, the second leg saw dramatic moments, including key saves and a decisive goal that sealed their passage to the final.
This victory marks Cruz Azul’s return to the CONCACAF final for the first time since 2021, when they lost to fellow Mexican side Monterrey. The club now has a chance to add to its record six CONCACAF titles, having last lifted the trophy in 2014.

Vancouver Whitecaps Make History
On the other side of the bracket, Vancouver Whitecaps FC pulled off a stunning run to reach their first-ever CONCACAF Champions Cup final. The Canadian club eliminated Tigres earlier in the tournament and continued their impressive form by defeating another strong opponent in the semifinals.

Vancouver’s journey has been a Cinderella story, defying expectations with a mix of tactical discipline, counterattacking prowess, and standout performances from players like Ryan Gauld and Brian White. As the first Canadian team to reach the final since the tournament’s rebranding, the Whitecaps have already made history—but they’ll now aim for an even bigger upset against Cruz Azul.

A High-Stakes Final: What’s on the Line?
The CONCACAF Champions Cup final will be played over two legs (home and away), with the winner earning:

The prestigious CONCACAF Champions Cup trophy

A place in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, featuring the best clubs from around the world
Bragging rights as the top club in North America
For Cruz Azul, this is a chance to reassert their dominance in CONCACAF and end a decade-long drought in the competition. For Vancouver, it’s an opportunity to shock the continent and become the first MLS-side-affiliated team to win since the Seattle Sounders in 2022.
Who Will Prevail?

Cruz Azul enters as the favorite due to their experience and deeper squad, but Vancouver has already proven they can compete with Mexico’s best. Key battles will include:
Cruz Azul’s attack (Uriel Antuna, Ángel Romero) vs. Vancouver’s defense
Vancouver’s midfield creativity (Gauld) vs. Cruz Azul’s pressing game
Set-piece execution, where both teams have been dangerous

The first leg is expected to take place in Vancouver, with the return leg at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City—a fortress for Cruz Azul.
Conclusion

This final promises drama, intensity, and a clash of styles between a Mexican powerhouse and an ambitious Canadian underdog. Whether Cruz Azul reclaims continental glory or Vancouver completes a fairytale run, one thing is certain: CONCACAF will crown a deserving champion