Cruz Azul won its second title with Joel Huiqui by beating Pumas at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario during Clausura 2026. Now, the Machine seeks the Champion of Champions this Saturday against Toluca at Dignity Health Sports Park, home of the Los Angeles Galaxy of the MLS.
The vision of Joel Huiqui
Prior to the duel, the Mexican coach stressed the importance of the match: “For our team, this match tomorrow is very important because it is the closing of the team’s cycle, knowing that it was a great year, not just a great semester. What more than celebrating it with our people and confirming what has been done with a championship.”
Huiqui recognized the quality of the rival, but showed confidence: “We are going to face such an important rival that has quality players and that has also had great tournaments, [but] I am sure that tomorrow we will win. The team is aware that it is going to be a very intense match, but we are also convinced that we can win it.”
The strategist also spoke about motivating the team to fight for all the titles: “In the preseason, my message was that we had four trophies up for grabs. Being able to close the year with four titles in hand would be wonderful, it sounds difficult, but I don’t think it’s impossible because knowing the ability of my players, I’m sure they will be able to achieve it. We want to create a vintage team with a great legacy.”
Charly Rodríguez: the World Cup is past
Carlos Rodríguez left behind the disappointment of not being called up by Javier Aguirre for the 2026 World Cup. “The World Cup thing has already happened, it was a moment that did hurt, but in the end you have to live in the present. Since I arrived, I had an immense desire to lift a cup with Cruz Azul… It was achieved. I continue to enjoy these moments, we have the opportunity to add another cup and we never get tired of winning,” he declared.
The midfielder emphasized the objective of leaving a mark: “The important thing is tomorrow’s game, nothing more. You have to enjoy when you are fighting for titles and we are enjoying the journey, being very happy. Tomorrow we have the opportunity to write a new story to continue in the club’s letters.”
Cruz Azul and Toluca will define the champion of champions in a duel that promises intensity. The celestial team seeks to confirm its dominance in Mexican soccer.
