Full Breakdown
Cruz Azul Clinches Liga MX Clausura 2026 Title with Stoppage-Time Victory Over Pumas
5/25/2026, 1:43:43 PM
The Decisive Final: 2-1 Win in Mexico City
On Sunday, May 24 2026, Cruz Azul defeated Pumas UNAM 2-1 at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario to capture the Liga MX Clausura crown. Robert Morales opened scoring in the 31st minute, a Ruben Duarte own-goal equalised in the 53rd, and Rodolfo Rotondi netted the winner in the 93rd minute of stoppage time.
Background & Context: Title Drought and Coaching Change
Cruz Azul entered the final seeking its first league championship since the 2021 Clausura, ending a 27-year drought that began after the 1997 title. Interim coach Joel Huiqui, a former defender, assumed charge in the penultimate regular-season round following the dismissal of Nicolas Larcamon.
Key Figures
- Joel Huiqui – interim manager, first Mexican coach to win Liga MX since 2020.
- Rodolfo Rotondi – midfielder, scored the stoppage-time winner.
- Robert Morales – Pumas forward, opened scoring.
- Keylor Navas – Pumas goalkeeper.
- Kevin Mier – Cruz Azul goalkeeper.
Timeline of the Two-Leg Final
- May 21, 2026 (First leg) – 0-0 draw at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes; Navas praised for performance.
- May 24, 2026 (Second leg) – 31´ Morales (Pumas); 53´ own-goal (Cruz Azul); 93´ Rotondi (Cruz Azul).
Data & Statistics
- Cruz Azul now has 10 league titles, second only to Club América (16).
- The club is undefeated in its last 30 games at the Olímpico Universitario.
- Pumas hold 8 league crowns, last in Clausura 2011.
- The final ended 2-1, with one red card (Antuna) and a disputed second (Angel Rico).
Official Statements & Responses
Cruz Azul’s statement called the win “the long-awaited return to the summit of Mexican football,” noting the 10th title and ending a multi-decade drought. Liga MX praised Huiqui’s achievement as a historic milestone for Mexican coaching. Pumas expressed respect for the opponent and disappointment.
On-the-Ground Reports
Photos captured players embracing, fans chanting, and Rotondi lifting the trophy. Supporters swarmed the pitch after the final whistle, and goalkeeper Kevin Mier celebrated with teammates.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reuters and AP cite only Antuna’s red card, while other outlets list a second dismissal of Angel Rico, suggesting Pumas finished with nine players. No comments from coach Efraín Juárez were released.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The championship feels like revenge, like a release,” — Rodolfo Rotondi
- “I was in the eye of the storm, but I bit my tongue, I didn’t make any statements, I worked.” — Rodolfo Rotondi
- “I was in the eye of the storm, but I bit my tongue, I didn’t make any statements, I worked. And now it’s time to really enjoy this moment.” — Rodolfo Rotondi
- “(After the goal) I wanted to hug my family and enjoy it. We're happy.” — Rodolfo Rotondi
Why It Matters
The triumph ends a 27-year championship drought, marks the first Liga MX title for a Mexican coach in years, and secures Cruz Azul’s qualification for the 2029 Club World Cup. The performance also positions players Carlos Rodríguez and Jordan Carrillo as candidates for the 2026 World Cup roster.
What’s Next
Cruz Azul is expected to offer Huiqui a contract ahead of the Apertura 2026 season, slated to begin on July 16. Both finalists will enter the offseason, with players eyeing national-team selection and clubs preparing for upcoming campaign.
