2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Final Preview: Cruz Azul vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC | OneFootball

MIAMI – The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup Final features Cruz Azul against Vancouver Whitecaps FC in the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City, Mexico.

Iconic Mexican club Cruz Azul has won the Champions Cup on six occasions and will be searching to obtain a record-tying seventh crown. La Máquina won the 1969, 1970, 1971, 1996, 1997, and 2013–14 editions.

On the opposite end of the pitch, Vancouver Whitecaps FC will seek to make history as the first Canadian club to win the competition. The ‘Caps will make their first appearance in the Final and are assured the club’s best finish ever.

Cruz Azul’s quest for seven

Cruz Azul arrives at the final with a 3-3-0 record with series wins over Haitian side Real Hope FA in Round One, U.S. side Seattle Sounders FC in the Round of 16, and fellow Mexican sides Club América and Tigres UANL in the Quarterfinals and Semifinals, respectively.

Ángel Sepúlveda leads the race for the Top Scorer Award with seven goals in the 2025 edition. The Mexican forward has struck at least once in each stage. With 22 shots, Sepúlveda trails only Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (23) for the tournament lead before the final.

Mateusz Bogusz joined Cruz Azul in January and has made his mark with his new club with three assists, the co-leader in the 2025 edition with Tigres UANL forward Juan Brunetta.

Carlos Rotondi has one goal, one assist, six successful crosses, 12 tackles won and five clearances, among his contributions in 374 minutes.

Ignacio Rivero was also key to the team’s defensive efforts and supplied two assists and 18 shots, the fifth most in the 2025 edition to date.

Goalkeeper Kevin Mier has also been a critical piece with nine saves and three clean sheets through six matches.

Manager Vicente Sánchez took the reins on an interim basis in late January and has guided the club to the brink of its seventh CCC title. The Uruguayan coach won the 2003 Concacaf Champions Cup as a player during his time with Toluca and is seeking the first trophy of his managerial career.

Vancouver Whitecaps FC eyes historic first

Vancouver Whitecaps FC has ridden a 2-4-0 record to the championship match with series wins over Costa Rican giants Deportivo Saprissa in Round One, Mexican sides CF Monterrey and Pumas UNAM in the Round of 16 and Quarterfinals, respectively, and fellow MLS side Inter Miami CF in the Semifinals.

Brian White has been the lead man for Whitecaps FC with five goals, tied for second in the 2025 edition. The U.S. forward struck a brace to complete a comeback in Round One, the away goal that won the ‘Caps Round of 16 series in Mexico, and goals in both legs of the Semifinals.

Sebastian Berhalter has also been an important piece with three goals and two assists but will be unavailable in the Final due to yellow card accumulation.

Andrés Cubas will have an added responsibility and shares similar stats to Berhalter, with one assist, 11 clearances, four interceptions, and an 85.9% passing accuracy. Pedro Vite will also be looked to add to his one goal and two assists, and five interceptions through his eight appearances in the tournament.

Édier Ocampo stood out as a player On The Rise in the Champions Cup. The 21-year-old has provided one goal, one assist, 13 tackles won, 12 interceptions and 28 clearances across 554 minutes played.

Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka has delivered 18 saves, the second most in the tournament, and has delivered two clean sheets.

Ryan Gauld scored the team’s opening goal at Saprissa and assisted Belal Halbouni’s late equalizer in the first leg against Monterrey, but his status is unclear following an injury in league play on March 8.

Manager Jesper Sørensen was appointed in January to head the Canadian MLS side. The Danish coach is seeking his first international club trophy of his managerial career.