Cruz Azul, affectionately known as “La Máquina Celeste” (The Celestial Machine) or “Los Cementeros” (The Cement Makers), is one of Mexico’s most iconic and passionately supported football clubs. From its humble origins rooted in a cement cooperative to its current status as a Liga MX powerhouse, Cruz Azul’s journey has been a captivating blend of glorious triumphs, agonizing heartbreaks, and unwavering fan loyalty. This article delves into the multifaceted world of Cruz Azul, exploring its history, current standing, fierce rivalries, and what the future holds for this storied institution.
The Genesis of a Giant: From Cooperative Roots to Professional Prominence
The story of Cruz Azul begins in 1927 in Jasso, Hidalgo, born out of the Cooperativa La Cruz Azul, S.C.L., a cement company. Initially, the club was a representation of the cooperative’s workers, embodying values of hard work and community. For decades, they competed in regional amateur tournaments, achieving remarkable success and even representing the state of Hidalgo on numerous occasions in national amateur events.
The pivotal moment arrived in 1964 when Cruz Azul ascended to the professional ranks of Mexican football, joining the Segunda División. Their rise was swift and impressive, culminating in their promotion to the top tier, Liga MX, in 1964. This marked the beginning of a new era, one that would see them establish themselves as a dominant force in Mexican football.
The 1970s are often referred to as Cruz Azul’s “Golden Era.” During this period, the club clinched multiple league titles, showcasing a brand of football that captivated fans and cemented their place among the elite. Their historic victory over Club América in the 1971-72 league final is widely considered the catalyst for one of Mexican football’s most intense rivalries, the “Clásico Joven.”
A Storied History of Triumphs and Tribulations
Cruz Azul boasts an impressive trophy cabinet, a testament to its consistent presence at the top of Mexican football. Domestically, the club has won nine Liga MX titles, four Copa MX, three Campeón de Campeones, and holds a joint-record with one Supercopa de la Liga MX and one Supercopa MX.
Internationally, Cruz Azul stands as the second-most successful club in the history of the CONCACAF Champions Cup/Champions League, with a remarkable six titles. This dominance in North American club football underscores their continental pedigree. Furthermore, they hold the distinction of being the first CONCACAF team to reach the final of the Copa Libertadores, the most prestigious club competition in South American football, where they narrowly lost to Boca Juniors on penalties in 2001.
Despite these numerous successes, Cruz Azul has also faced its share of adversity and what many fans term “the curse.” The club holds the record for the most league runner-up finishes (12), a statistic that often fuels narratives of near-misses and last-minute disappointments. The 2013 and 2018 Liga MX finals, both lost to arch-rivals Club América in agonizing fashion, are particularly painful memories for the Cruz Azul faithful. However, the emotional 2021 championship triumph, which ended a 23-year league title drought, brought immense relief and joy, finally breaking the long-standing “curse” for many supporters.
The Current Landscape: Squad, Coach, and Recent Form
As of mid-2025, Cruz Azul continues to be a significant contender in Mexican football. The club’s recent form has seen them reach the semi-finals of the Clausura 2025 Liga MX season, demonstrating their competitive spirit.
Current Squad: Cruz Azul’s roster features a blend of experienced players and promising talents. Key attacking players include Luka Romero, Mateusz Bogusz, Giorgos Giakoumakis, Ángel Sepúlveda, and Gabriel Fernández. The midfield is bolstered by names like Carlos Rotondi, Carlos Rodríguez, Lorenzo Faravelli, and José Rivero, while the defense relies on players such as Jorge Sánchez. The current roster aims to maintain the team’s competitive edge and build towards future successes.
Coaching Situation: Vicente Sánchez is currently the head coach of Cruz Azul. However, reports indicate that Sánchez is expected to step down after the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final on June 1st, regardless of the outcome. This news has sparked considerable speculation regarding his successor, with prominent names like Guillermo Almada, Matías Almeyda, and Gabriel Milito reportedly being considered for the role. This coaching transition will undoubtedly be a significant factor in the team’s direction for the upcoming seasons.
Recent Matches: Cruz Azul recently faced Club América in the Liga MX Clausura semi-finals, with Club América emerging victorious with a 2-1 aggregate score. This loss highlighted the ongoing intensity of their rivalry.
Upcoming Fixtures: Looking Ahead
Cruz Azul’s immediate future includes a significant international commitment:
CONCACAF Champions Cup Final: On June 2, 2025, Cruz Azul will face the Vancouver Whitecaps in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. This match presents an opportunity for the club to add another prestigious continental title to its collection.
Beyond the Champions Cup, Cruz Azul has scheduled matches in the Leagues Cup later in 2025, including group stage matches against the Seattle Sounders FC and Colorado Rapids at home, and an away fixture against LA Galaxy. These matches will be crucial for their international standing and preparation for future Liga MX campaigns.
The Passionate Heartbeat: Fan Base and Stadium Atmosphere
Cruz Azul boasts a massive and devoted fan base, not just in Mexico City but across Mexico and among Mexican communities abroad, particularly in the United States. While they may be considered the third most popular team in Mexico behind Guadalajara and América, their support in Greater Mexico City is undeniably strong, rivaling that of América and surpassing Pumas UNAM. These three clubs, along with Chivas, form the “Big Four” of Mexican football, distinguished by their historical success, large followings, and intense rivalries.
The atmosphere at Cruz Azul matches is known for its intensity and passion, fueled by the loyalty of “Los Celestes” supporters. However, the club’s stadium situation has been a subject of discussion among fans. Currently, Cruz Azul plays its home matches at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, sharing the stadium with Pumas UNAM, due to renovations at the Estadio Azteca in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This temporary home has led to mixed reactions among fans. While Cruz Azul maintains a large following, some supporters express a preference for their previous temporary home, Estadio Azul, citing a better fan experience. Challenges like stadium size, distance from the field, ticket prices, and travel logistics in Mexico City can impact attendance. Despite these factors, the core fanbase remains incredibly dedicated, with many traveling long distances to support their team. The sentiment is clear: Cruz Azul fans crave a permanent home stadium that truly embodies their club’s identity and fosters a unique and electric atmosphere.
Fierce Rivalries: The Pulse of Mexican Football
Cruz Azul’s journey through Mexican football has been defined by its intense rivalries, which add immense drama and excitement to the league.
Clásico Joven (Cruz Azul vs. Club América): This is arguably the biggest and most emotionally charged rivalry for Cruz Azul. The “Clásico Joven” (Young Derby) is a clash between two of Mexico City’s most successful and popular clubs. The rivalry gained significant traction after Cruz Azul defeated América in the 1971-72 league final. Over the decades, their encounters have been filled with drama, often culminating in crucial championship deciders. América’s comebacks in the 2013 and 2018 Liga MX finals were particularly devastating for Cruz Azul fans, creating a deep-seated desire for revenge that only the 2021 championship could partially satisfy. The historical record shows América with a slight edge in total meetings, making every encounter a battle for supremacy and bragging rights. Their latest meeting in the Clausura 2025 semi-finals once again underscored the rivalry’s intensity.
Cruz Azul vs. Pumas UNAM: This rivalry is rooted in regional pride within Mexico City. Pumas UNAM, representing the national university, often fields a team with a strong emphasis on homegrown players, while Cruz Azul features a mix of experienced professionals and international talent. Matches between these two teams are always intense and unpredictable. A notable recent example was the 2020 playoff semifinal, where Cruz Azul famously won the first leg 4-0 but suffered a shocking 4-0 defeat in the second leg, leading to their elimination on away goals – a result that sent shockwaves through Mexican football.
Cruz Azul vs. Chivas de Guadalajara: While not as historically intense as the rivalry with América, matches between Cruz Azul and Chivas, another “Big Four” club, are always significant. Chivas, known for its “all-Mexican” player policy, represents a different philosophy, making these contests a clash of styles and traditions. The historical record between them is relatively even, with both teams having their periods of dominance. Recent encounters have seen Chivas gain a slight advantage in Liga MX meetings.
FAQs
What was the result of the latest Cruz Azul vs Club América match?
In the Clausura 2025 semifinals, Club América defeated Cruz Azul 2-1 in the second leg, resulting in a 2-2 aggregate score. Due to a better position in the regular-season standings, América advanced to the final, aiming for their fourth consecutive title.
When is Cruz Azul’s next match?
Cruz Azul’s upcoming match is against Vancouver Whitecaps on June 2, 2025, at 1:00 AM UTC in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
What are the upcoming fixtures for Cruz Azul?
Cruz Azul’s upcoming fixtures include:
June 2, 2025: vs. Vancouver Whitecaps (CONCACAF Champions Cup)
July 31, 2025: vs. Seattle Sounders FC (Leagues Cup)
August 3, 2025: vs. LA Galaxy (Leagues Cup)
August 7, 2025: vs. Colorado Rapids (Leagues Cup)
What is the historical head-to-head record between Cruz Azul and Club América?
Since 2004, Club América and Cruz Azul have faced each other 69 times. América has won 29 matches, Cruz Azul has won 19, and there have been 21 draws.
How has Cruz Azul performed against Pumas UNAM recently?
In their last five encounters, Cruz Azul has won four matches and lost one against Pumas UNAM.
What is the recent head-to-head record between Cruz Azul and Tigres UANL?
Cruz Azul and Tigres UANL have played 54 matches since 2004. Cruz Azul has won 19, Tigres UANL has won 17, and there have been 18 draws.
Did Cruz Azul qualify for any recent finals?
Yes, Cruz Azul qualified for the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup by defeating Tigres UANL with a 1-0 victory in the second leg, resulting in a 2-1 aggregate score.
What is the significance of the ‘Clásico Joven’ between Cruz Azul and Club América?
The ‘Clásico Joven’ is a prominent rivalry in Mexican football between Cruz Azul and Club América. It has been marked by several memorable matches, including the Clausura 2013 final where América made a dramatic comeback to win the championship.
To conclude
Cruz Azul continues to be a formidable force in Mexican football, with a rich history of intense rivalries and significant achievements. Their recent performances in domestic and international competitions showcase their resilience and ambition. Fans eagerly anticipate their upcoming matches, especially in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they aim to secure another prestigious title.
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