Cruz Azul proclaimed itself champion of the Liga MX after winning 2-1 Cougars at the University Olympic Stadium this Sunday. The tenth celestial title came with a goal in injury time from Carlos Rotondiwhich caused a wave of celebrations and congratulatory messages from political figures, including Clara Brugada.
During the first time, Cougars He went ahead with a goal from the Paraguayan Robert Morales in the 34th minute, taking advantage of a shot from outside the area that the Colombian goalkeeper Kevin Mier failed to stop. Morales finished the tournament as the university’s top scorer, with nine goals, eight in the regular phase and one in the final.
The meeting had an intense start, with shots from Carlos Rotondi and Agustín Palavecino that required interventions Keylor Navas at minutes 6 and 9. The Costa Rican goalkeeper made four key saves, including a shot by Rotondi at 39′ and a shot by Morales at 45+3 that would have meant Pumas’ second goal before the break.
In the second half, physical and emotional development made differences.
Cruz Azul tied at 55′ with an own goal from the Spanish Ruben Duartewho deflected a ball rejected by his teammate towards his own goal Alvaro Angulo.
Pumas suffered the loss of its Panamanian midfielder Adalberto Carrasquilla at minute 59, who came out in tears. Minutes later, Duarte himself left the field injured in the 72nd minute. The university staff was decimated, with two forced changes and the expulsion of Uriel Antuna at 90+3, leaving the cats with ten men. In the next play, Cruz Azul stood in the area and Rotondi beat Navas to make it 2-1 at 90+5.
Desperation increased when Rich Angel He saw the red card at 90+8, leaving Pumas with nine players. The team led by Efrain Juarez completed 15 years without a league title.
Joel Huiqui He assumed the technical direction of Cruz Azul after a streak of nine games without winning. Under his interim seven meetingsthe team had five wins and two draws, which culminated in winning the championship.
The consecration of Cruz Azul as champion of the MX League did not go unnoticed in the field political from Mexico.
The head of Government of Mexico City, Clara Brugadaused their social networks to join the celestial celebration and highlight the role of both capital teams.
In his message, Brugada congratulated the players, coaching staff and fans of Cruz Azul for achieving his tenth star in the capital, and also recognized the efforts of Pumas during the tournament.
He stressed the importance of football as an element of family union.
“Congratulations Cruz Azul, champions of Mexican soccer. To the players, the coaching staff and, of course, to all their fans who today celebrate their 10th title in our Mexico City. Congratulations also to the Pumas for their great tournament and effort. It is a joy to see how sport unites families. May the successes continue and long live soccer in the #CapitalOfTransformation!”
The echo of the final was also reflected in other political actors. Xóchitl Gálvez Ruiz He published a brief but enthusiastic message in which he celebrated the arrival of the tenth star for Cruz Azul, a team he has been with for years.
For your partAlejandro Moreno, leader of the PRIemphasized the perseverance of the cement workers, highlighting the team’s ability to overcome difficult moments and turn the effort into history for a fan that never stopped believing. Moreno also dedicated words of recognition to Pumas, highlighting their competitive nature and the drive of their followers.
“Congratulations to Cruz Azul for this Clausura 2026 championship, a title that they worked and fought for until the end. They stood up in difficult moments and today they make it history for their fans, who never stopped believing. My recognition also goes to Pumas, who competed with character and left everything on the field. This is how the level of Mexican soccer is built, with teams that go out to win and fans that always push. Today we celebrate a champion, but also the effort of everyone!”
From the university trenches, the former presidential candidate Jorge Álvarez Máynez He accepted the result with sportsmanship. In his message, he reviewed the drama of the final, mentioning the own goal, the injuries and the expulsion that changed the course of the game in the final minutes.
“We went from singing 2-0 to an own goal, the injuries, the red card and the game going away in the last minutes. Keylor and an unforgettable campaign. Efraín excited us until the last moment despite a limited squad. We leave grateful to be from Pumas. We will return.”
Until the close of the day, the president Claudia Sheinbaum had not issued public comments on the Cruz Azul championship. It should be noted that the president has shown her support for the UNAM Pumas.
