Cruz Azul secured their 10th Liga MX championship on Sunday, defeating Pumas UNAM 2-1 in the Clausura 2026 Final at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The victory ends a five-year title drought for La Máquina and caps off a turbulent season defined by mid-year coaching changes and intense locker-room pressure.
Pumas UNAM, who recently edged Pachuca to advance to the final, controlled the early tempo on their home turf. Striker Robert Morales broke through in the 31st minute, putting Pumas ahead 1-0 and threatening to extend Cruz Azul’s historical anxieties in high-stakes matches.
The trajectory shifted entirely in the locker room. Manager Joel Huiqui delivered an emotional halftime speech that stabilized a squad dealing with weeks of high anxiety, according to Sports Illustrated. That renewed focus materialized quickly in the second half. In the 53rd minute, a chaotic sequence in the penalty box ended with the ball deflecting off the chest of Pumas defender Rubén Duarte for an equalizing own goal.
Physical fatigue and injuries began to hinder Pumas as the second half dragged on. The match tilted permanently in the 90th minute when Uriel Antuna received a straight red card following a VAR review for a harsh tackle on Jeremy Márquez. This late dismissal forced Pumas to survive stoppage time with 10 men, a sequence detailed in a live match report by Bolavip.
Cruz Azul exploited the numerical advantage in the 95th minute. Carlos Rotondi found space and fired a left-footed shot into the net to seal the 2-1 aggregate victory and the championship.
The win completes a rapid professional ascent for Huiqui, who transitioned from directing Cruz Azul’s youth teams to winning the top-flight Mexican soccer championship in just a matter of weeks. Reflecting on the sudden turnaround, Huiqui told reporters that while winning is wonderful, “the process is rarely applauded.”
Cruz Azul president Víctor Velázquez immediately rewarded that process. Following the trophy presentation, Velázquez confirmed that the interim manager will be retained as the permanent head coach for the upcoming tournament. The victory officially brings the “décima estrella” back to the club for the first time since their Guard1anes 2021 run, Record verified Sunday night.