Vancouver’s Fairytale Faces Cruz Azul’s Legacy in CCC Final Showdown

The 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup will culminate with a storybook finale on Sunday at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where Cruz Azul host Vancouver Whitecaps FC. According to MLSsoccer.com, the Canadian club is just one win away from making history as only the second MLS side to claim the modern CCC crown, following Seattle Sounders in 2022.

Led by head coach Jesper Sørensen, who took charge just six months ago, Vancouver’s run has defied expectations. After dramatic aggregate ties with Monterrey and Pumas UNAM, the Whitecaps stunned Inter Miami with a 5-1 semifinal win. Highlights include Tristan Blackmon’s last-gasp quarterfinal goal in Mexico City and Sebastian Berhalter’s stellar semifinal form—though the latter will miss the final due to yellow card accumulation. The team hopes captain Ryan Gauld recovers in time to feature.

Cruz Azul, meanwhile, bring pedigree and power. The six-time CCC champions crushed Real Hope 7-0, swept past Seattle Sounders 4-1, and edged Club América and Tigres in closely contested ties. Ángel Sepúlveda leads the competition in scoring with seven goals, supported by captain Ignacio Rivero—on a three-game scoring streak—and Mateusz Bogusz, who tops the assists chart.

Sunday’s final pits the top two teams in CONCACAF’s Club Rankings against each other. Vancouver have already conquered Monterrey and Pumas on Mexican soil. Another miracle at Estadio Olímpico Universitario could seal the club’s greatest achievement yet.