Cruz Azul vs Pumas is one of Liga MX’s fiercest rivalries, and their last meeting was an instant classic. On May 25, 2026, Cruz Azul beat Pumas 2-1 in the second leg of the Clausura 2026 final at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario, winning 2-1 on aggregate and lifting their 10th Liga MX title with a 95th-minute winner from Carlos Rotondi.
The two Mexico City clubs meet again very soon. Here is everything you need to know about the matchup: the last match, the head-to-head record, the key players to watch, and when they play next.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas Last Match (May 25, 2026)
The Clausura 2026 final was played over two legs. The first leg on May 22 at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes ended 0-0, with Cruz Azul dominating possession at 61 percent but unable to break through.
The second leg at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario had everything. Pumas struck first through Robert Morales in the 31st minute, and the home crowd sensed a title. But Cruz Azul came out transformed after halftime. In the 53rd minute, a chaotic scramble in the penalty box ended with the ball deflecting off Pumas defender Ruben Duarte for an own goal.
The drama peaked late. In the 90th minute, Pumas were reduced to 10 men when Uriel Antuna received a straight red card after a VAR review for a harsh tackle on Jeremy Marquez. Cruz Azul pushed everyone forward, and in the 95th minute Carlos Rotondi found space and fired a left-footed shot past Keylor Navas to seal the 2-1 win and the championship.
It was a triumph for Joel Huiqui, who had taken over as Cruz Azul manager only weeks earlier after Nicolas Larcamon was fired. The title ended Cruz Azul’s five-year drought. For Pumas, who had finished top of the regular-season standings, the wait for a Liga MX crown stretched to 15 years.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas Head-to-Head Record
Across about 52 meetings in the short-tournament era, Cruz Azul have had the better of this fixture: 24 wins for La Maquina, 13 for Pumas, and 15 draws, with 78 goals scored to Pumas’ 60.
Recent meetings show how unpredictable this fixture can be:
May 25, 2026: Pumas 1-2 Cruz Azul (Clausura final, 2nd leg)
May 22, 2026: Cruz Azul 0-0 Pumas (Clausura final, 1st leg)
March 15, 2026: Pumas 2-2 Cruz Azul (Cruz Azul led 2-0 at halftime, Pumas fought back)
November 9, 2025: Cruz Azul 2-3 Pumas (Pumas won away)
April 6, 2025: Cruz Azul 3-2 Pumas
When Do Cruz Azul and Pumas Play Next?
The next chapter comes fast. Cruz Azul visit Pumas on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Matchday 11 of the Apertura 2026, at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM Central Mexico time.
It is being billed as the Capital City Derby, and the build-up is already spicy. Cruz Azul trolled Pumas on social media ahead of the game, styling the fixture like one of their own home matches and claiming the Olimpico as their turf after winning the title there in May.
The form guide favors the visitors. Cruz Azul are coming off a wild 4-3 Clasico Joven win over America, while Pumas entered the international break just two points off the qualification places and in urgent need of a reset.
Key Players to Watch
Carlos Rotondi: scored the 95th-minute title winner in May and was Cruz Azul’s best player across the final. The man for the big occasion.
Robert Morales: Pumas’ striker who opened the scoring in the final. He will be hungry to hurt Cruz Azul again.
Keylor Navas: the veteran Pumas goalkeeper kept his team in the final with several huge saves. He remains world class on his day.
Nicolas Ibanez: Cruz Azul’s attacking focal point who scored in the 2-2 draw back in March.
Jorge Ruvalcaba: Pumas’ young attacker and one of the most exciting prospects in the rivalry. He scored twice the last time Pumas won this fixture.
Kevin Mier: Cruz Azul’s goalkeeper and a steady presence behind a defense that has been hard to break down.
People Also Ask
Who won the last Cruz Azul vs Pumas match?
Cruz Azul won 2-1 on May 25, 2026, in the second leg of the Clausura 2026 final at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario. With the first leg ending 0-0, Cruz Azul took the tie 2-1 on aggregate and won the Liga MX title.
What is the Cruz Azul vs Pumas head-to-head record?
In about 52 meetings in the short-tournament era, Cruz Azul have 24 wins, Pumas have 13 wins, and 15 matches ended in draws.
When is the next Cruz Azul vs Pumas game?
October 11, 2026, at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Mexico City. It is Matchday 11 of the Apertura 2026, kicking off at 7:00 PM Central Mexico time.
How many Liga MX titles has Cruz Azul won?
Ten. The Clausura 2026 triumph was their 10th championship and their first in five years.
Where do Cruz Azul and Pumas play their home games?
Pumas play at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario in Ciudad Universitaria, Mexico City. Cruz Azul play at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, also in Mexico City, which makes this a true city derby.
Conclusion
Cruz Azul vs Pumas rarely disappoints, and the Clausura 2026 final was proof: a 95th-minute winner, a red card, an own goal, and a championship decided in the most dramatic way possible.
Now the rivalry gets an immediate sequel. With Cruz Azul flying high and Pumas desperate for revenge on their own turf, October 11 promises another unforgettable night in Mexico City.
