Vancouver Whitecaps thrashed 5–0 by Cruz Azul in Champions Cup Final

Jesper Sørensen’s Vancouver Whitecaps were overwhelmed by a dominant Cruz Azul, who claimed their seventh title in the tournament, tying Club América as the most successful club in Champions Cup history.

A brace from Ángel Sepúlveda, along with goals from Ignacio Rivero, Lorenzo Faravelli, and Mateusz Bogusz, powered La Máquina to a commanding win at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.

With this loss, the Whitecaps missed the chance to become the first Canadian team to win the tournament and will not take part in the 2029 Club World Cup or the 2025 Intercontinental Cup.

The Canadian side fell behind early - Rivero opened the scoring in the eighth minute - and never recovered. By halftime, they were already down 4–0. Sepúlveda completed his brace in the 50th minute, sealing the 5–0 scoreline and underlining a night in which Vancouver never found their footing on the pitch in Mexico City.

The Champions Cup remains in Mexico as Vicente Sánchez's Cruz Azul claimed the title with an impressive rout at Estadio Ciudad Universitaria. As a result, Cruz Azul secured their place in the 2029 Club World Cup and the 2025 Intercontinental Cup.

On the other end, Sørensen’s side failed to become the first Canadian team to win the regional championship, and the MLS continues its title drought in the competition, which dates back to 2022.

For Cruz Azul, this victory is hugely important. It silences recent criticism surrounding the potential departure of Sánchez and speculation about the arrival of manager Guillermo Almada, who has now officially parted ways with Pachuca.

Cruz Azul lifted the Champions Cup trophy for the first time since the 2013–2014 season.

The last time they won the tournament, they defeated Deportivo Toluca on away goals after a 1–1 aggregate score over two legs - a format used at the time. The away goals rule gave La Máquina the edge to claim the title.

Sørensen’s team will need to bounce back quickly from this heavy defeat, as they visit the Seattle Sounders next Sunday. Despite the setback, the Whitecaps remain atop the Western Conference with 32 points and two games in hand.