2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup: Fight for the Finals
by Tyler Doty | by Tyler Doty
Liga MX Standoff: Tigres UANL vs Cruz Azul
Our first matchup of these 2025 CONCACAF Champions League semis features an all-Mexican lineup. Thus, we're guaranteed a representative from Mexico will be present in the grand final. Tigres earned their sole piece of hardware from the Concachampions in the 2020 season, and are on the verge of continuing to expand their international showcase with another trophy. On the other hand, Cruz Azul, "la Máquina", are second only to Club América, as the club with the most victories in this tournament throughout history (6), but they have not won at the continental level since the 2013/14 season.
A Look at Their Paths to the Semis
Reviewing each team’s journey in the tournament, Tigres had to get past Real Estelí FC (3-1), FC Cincinnati (4-2), and the LA Galaxy (3-2) to secure a spot among the final four. Beyond that, their performance in Liga MX is also worth mentioning—they haven’t taken their eye off domestic competition, finishing fourth in the regular season standings, putting them firmly in the mix for the league title.
Cruz Azul, for their part, put together a campaign nearly identical to Tigres in terms of points, also finishing with 33. However, thanks to a higher number of goals scored (the two sides were level on goal difference), La Máquina edged into third place. In their international run, they cruised past Real Hope FA (7-0), took care of the Seattle Sounders (3-1), and edged Club América (2-1). Cruz Azul’s stellar form has been highlighted by individual standouts: Ángel Sepúlveda leads the tournament with six goals, while Mateusz Bogusz tops the assist charts with three.
For a more detailed breakdown and to compare the squads for this matchup, check out the Tigres UANL vs. Cruz Azul prediction and match preview.
What are the dates for Tigres vs Cruz Azul?
- First Leg: Wednesday, April 23 at 9:00 PM ET at Estadio Universitario (UANL).
- Second Leg: Thursday, May 1 at 9:00 PM ET at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Chasing Their First CONCACAF Crown: Inter Miami vs. Vancouver Whitecaps
Of the last 15 editions of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, 14 have been won by Mexican clubs. The lone exception came in 2022, when the Seattle Sounders lifted the trophy, snapping a 22-year drought for MLS teams—the last before them was the LA Galaxy in 2000. Now, another MLS side, Inter Miami, is aiming to make history by capturing their first continental title.
With global stars like Lionel Messi, Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Luis Suárez, Miami are looking to conquer North America for the first time. Their chances are bolstered by the presence of Messi, whose arrival has already led the club to its only two pieces of silverware: the 2023 Leagues Cup and the 2024 MLS Supporters’ Shield. Messi has also been the team’s top performer in this tournament, scoring five goals and playing a key role in victories over Sporting KC (4-1), Cavalier FC (4-0), and LAFC (3-2).
On the other side, the Vancouver Whitecaps have battled through each round. They narrowly edged out Deportivo Saprissa (3-2), and advanced on away goals in back-to-back ties against Pumas (3-3) and Monterrey (3-3). Thanks to the attacking efforts of Brian White, the Canadian squad is just two matches away from potentially becoming the first team from their country to win the Champions Cup, following the near misses by Montreal Impact in 2015 and Toronto FC in 2018.
For betting insights and detailed analysis, check out the Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami prediction. Our writers have already chosen some good value picks in this all MLS matchup.
What are the dates for Vancouver vs Inter Miami?
- First Leg: Thursday, April 24 at 9:30 PM ET at BC Place
- Second Leg: Wednesday, April 30 at 8:00 PM ET at Chase Stadium
Mark Your Calendars:
The final is scheduled for Sunday, June 1, with the time and location still to be confirmed. The 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup will crown the best team in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean—whether it’s a first-time champion like Inter Miami or Vancouver, or another chapter in Mexico’s dominant run, which has seen its clubs win 14 of the last 15 titles.
