Cruz Azul Celebrates Concacaf Champions Cup Victory
In an impressive display of skill and teamwork, Cruz Azul celebrated a commanding 5-0 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps, securing the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. Following this significant achievement, head coach Vicente Sanchez shared that his future at the helm of the Liga MX side remains uncertain.
Vicente Sanchez’s Leadership
Sanchez was appointed as Cruz Azul’s interim manager in February, during the ongoing 2025 Liga MX Clausura tournament. He stepped in after Martin Anselmi departed to join FC Porto unexpectedly. Under Sanchez’s leadership, the team ascended to third place in the Liga MX standings with a 33-point tally, achieved through a record of 9 wins, 6 draws, and 2 losses. This success propelled them to the semifinal of the tournament, culminating with their triumphant capture of the CCC trophy.
Coach’s Reflections
After the match, Sanchez emphasized the significance of their accomplishments, stating, “The statistics reflect our hard work; the semester has been defined by impressive numbers. I’m grateful for the support from the fans who celebrate our efforts on the field. Every day is a new opportunity, and I can’t predict what tomorrow holds.”
He acknowledged the challenges faced when he first took over, recalling, “We started with just one point and were at the bottom of the table. With tight schedules and back-to-back games, we managed to finish undefeated in the Concacaf and reach the semifinals.”
Sanchez also expressed his appreciation for club president Victor Velazquez, stating, “I thank Velazquez for his confidence in me, and I’m pleased we could reward that trust with a title. Today, Cruz Azul stands proudly at the forefront of the tournament, and I couldn’t be happier after a challenging semester of work.”
Players Stand by their Coach
The players have rallied behind their coach amidst the uncertainty. Captain Ignacio Rivero remarked, “This victory means a lot to all of us; it isn’t just about Vicente. While I can’t dictate the future, our happiness with him as our coach is clear. The outcome of the future will unfold in its own time.”
Teammate Lorenzo Faravelli also shared the sentiment, highlighting their united front on the pitch: “We supported Vicente during the game, and what happens moving forward is out of our control.”
Historic Achievement
With this victory, Cruz Azul has now claimed the Concacaf Champions Cup for a remarkable seventh time, equaling America for the most titles in the history of the competition. Notably, this was their first championship win since the 2013-14 season, marking a significant milestone in the club’s storied history.
