The match was highly physical from the opening minutes, with constant fouls and intense battles across the field. Pumas opened the scoring through Robert Morales, while Cruz Azul controlled possession for large stretches of the game in search of the equalizer.

In the second half, Cruz Azul found the tying goal after an own goal from Ruben Duarte before continuing to pressure against a tired Pumas side that eventually went down to 10 men following Carlos Antuna’s red card. With the numerical advantage, La Maquina pushed until the very end and found the title-winning goal through Rotondi.

After the 0-0 draw in the first leg between Cruz Azul and Pumas, tension grew for both teams. While the Universitarios dream of breaking a long title drought at home, La Maquina want to lift a championship trophy once again and close out a tournament that consolidated them as one of the most solid squads in Mexican soccer. In addition to the trophy, the winner will also secure a direct ticket to the next edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

But the financial reward is even better, according to Marca, the championship club of Liga MX would receive a prize close to $4.1 million, equivalent to more than 70 million Mexican pesos at the current exchange rate.

What this amount of money means for Cruz Azul, Pumas

The figure represents one of the most important economic incentives in Mexican soccer and could be key to reinforcing squads, renewing contracts, or even investing in new signings heading into the Apertura 2026. It is also worth mentioning that the runner-up prize would be approximately $2 million.

In the case of Pumas, part of that money could be allocated toward special bonuses for the players, especially following the sporting and media impact generated by the arrival of Keylor Navas at the club.

For their part, Cruz Azul also contemplate significant internal rewards for the squad if they manage to crown themselves at Ciudad Universitaria. The Cementeros board considers this tournament an opportunity to consolidate the sporting project after several irregular semesters.

Everything points to a close and highly intense final. Pumas will try to take advantage of their fans‘ support and the great form of Keylor Navas, while Cruz Azul will look to impose their collective balance to conquer a title that is also worth millions both on and off the field.

Following the first leg, the fans of both teams are expecting a greater spectacle, as the initial encounter between Pumas and Cruz Azul ended without goals, meaning that tonight both the Universitarios and La Maquina will leave everything on the field.

The historical context also increases overall expectations. The Universitarios and Cementeros already know what it means to face each other in decisive stages, and recent history in the Liguilla keeps an increasingly intense rivalry alive.

What happens if Cruz Azul win vs Pumas?

If Cruz Azul win today’s match, regardless of the victory’s scoreline, they would become Liga MX champions, achieving the title they fought for until the very end. The exact result does not matter much because the first leg ended 0-0.

The Liga MX champion secures a cash prize of approximately $4.1 million. In addition, Cruz Azul would face Toluca at the Liga MX 2026 Campeon de Campeones game, which pits the 2025 Apertura champions against the 2026 Clausura winners. The match will take place on July 25 in Los Angeles.

What happens if Cruz Azul and Pumas tie?

In the Liga MX 2026 Clausura final, if the aggregate score remains tied after regulation, Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM will play two extra time periods of 15 minutes each. If the draw persists in overtime, the teams will determine the winner from the penalty spot.

What happens if Cruz Azul lose vs Pumas?

In the event of a loss, Cruz Azul will finish as runner-up while Pumas will be crowned champions, sealing a place in the Campeon de Campeones final against Toluca on July 25.

How to watch Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul in the USA

Viewers in the United States will have plenty of ways to follow this highly anticipated matchup live. Traditional TV coverage will be offered through CBS Sports Network, Univision, and TUDN.

Fans looking to stream the action online can tune in via Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, and ViX from virtually any device.

Can I watch Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul for free?

Soccer fans in the United States can stream this exciting matchup live through DirecTV Stream and Fubo, with both platforms currently offering a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers.

Viewers eager to watch every moment of the match can use either promotional offer to enjoy the full live broadcast at no initial cost before the free trial period concludes. Follow our liveblog of Pumas vs Cruz Azul for minute-by-minute updates!

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The opening leg of this Liga MX final showdown delivered exactly what fans expected: a tightly contested battle between two fierce rivals, with neither side able to break through in a scoreless 0-0 first leg draw.

While the stalemate left both teams still searching for an edge, it also set the stage for a decisive second leg packed with pressure, intensity, and title implications. Backed by home-field advantage and a strong run throughout both the regular season and the playoffs, Pumas UNAM enter the match with a slight edge on paper.

Still, Cruz Azul remain a dangerous opponent that has consistently shown composure in high-stakes moments, and after surviving the first leg without conceding, they know one victory is all it would take to capture the championship. A win, tie or loss will have different implications for Cruz Azul and Pumas.

Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul: Predicted Lineups

Pumas UNAM (3-5-2): Keylor Navas, Rodrigo Lopez, Nathan Silva, Ruben Duarte, Santiago Trigos, Juninho, Jordan Carrillo, Pedro Vite, Alvaro Angulo, Robert Morales, Uriel Antuna.

Cruz Azul (4-2-3-1): Kevin Mier, Ángel Jeremy Márquez, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Omar Campos, Agustín Palavecino, Amaury Garcia, José Antonio Paradela, Carlos Rodriguez, Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi, Osinachi Christian Ebere.

What time is the Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul match?

The game will take place today, May 24, at 9:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 9:00 PM
Central Time: 8:00 PM
Mountain Time: 7:00 PM
Pacific Time: 6:00 PM

The opening half belonged mostly to Cruz Azul, who pushed aggressively in search of the opening goal and even saw a penalty overturned after a VAR review for offside. Pumas UNAM improved as the match progressed and nearly found the breakthrough in the second half, but Kevin Mier responded with a spectacular save in a one-on-one chance against Uriel Antuna.

During the final minutes, Cruz Azul threw everything forward looking for the winner, while Pumas UNAM defended deep to protect the result. In the end, both teams settled for a 0-0 draw, leaving everything to be decided in the second leg on Sunday, May 24.

How to watch Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM in the USA

Soccer fans in the United States will have several ways to watch this highly anticipated showdown live. Traditional TV coverage will be available on CBS Sports Network, Univision and TUDN.

Meanwhile, streaming options include Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV and ViX for viewers who prefer to follow the action online from any device.

Can I watch Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM for free?

Soccer fans across the United States will have the chance to stream this thrilling matchup live through DirecTV Stream and Fubo, with both services currently offering a 5-day free trial for eligible new subscribers.

Viewers hoping to catch every minute of the action can take advantage of the limited-time promotion to watch the full live broadcast at no upfront cost before the trial period expires.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

Everything comes down to this. The 2026 Liga MX Clausura title will be decided in a high-stakes final between two fierce rivals that have battled their way through a demanding postseason to earn a shot at the championship.

Pumas UNAM survived a brutal path, edging past both Club America and Pachuca thanks to their higher seeding after tightly contested series, while Cruz Azul punched its ticket to the final with impressive aggregate victories over Atlas and Chivas.

Now, with the decisive match set on Cruz Azul’s home turf, Los Cementeros will try to use that advantage to their favor against a determined Pumas squad eager to leave with the trophy.

Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM: Predicted Lineups

Cruz Azul (3-5-2): Kevin Mier, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Omar Campos, Jeremy Marquez, Amaury García, José Paradela, Agustín Palavecino, Carlos Rodríguez, Carlos Rotondi, Christian Ebere.

Pumas UNAM (4-4-2): Keylor Navas, Nathan Silva, Rubén Duarte, Alvaro Angulo, Rodrigo López, Adalberto Carrasquilla, Pedro Vite, Uriel Antuna, Jordan Carrillo, Robert Morales, Juninho.

What time is the Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM match?

The game will take place today, May 21, at 10:00 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 10:00 PM
Central Time: 9:00 PM
Mountain Time: 8:00 PM
Pacific Time: 7:00 PM

Cruz Azul enter the opener riding strong postseason momentum after eliminating Atlas and Chivas, while Pumas arrive as the tournament’s top seed after surviving dramatic playoff battles against America and Pachuca.

Joel Huiqui‘s team is chasing its 10th Liga MX title and another chance to celebrate a championship in front of supporters after its pandemic-era triumph in 2021, while Efrain Juarez‘s side is trying to end a 15-year league title drought.

What happens if Cruz Azul beat Pumas UNAM today?

If Cruz Azul win the first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final, they would take a crucial aggregate lead into the second leg and place all the pressure on Pumas ahead of the return match at Estadio Olimpico Universitario.

Because Liga MX finals are decided over two legs, winning the opener would not immediately secure the title, but it would significantly improve Cruz Azul’s chances of lifting the trophy. The team would then only need a draw in the second leg to become champions.

Even a one-goal victory could prove massive. Unlike earlier playoff rounds, the Liga MX final does not use regular-season seeding or away goals as tiebreakers. If the aggregate score is tied after both matches, the series goes to extra time and potentially penalties.

What happens if Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM tie today?

If the first leg ends in a draw, the Liga MX Clausura final would remain completely open heading into the decisive second match. Neither side would gain an aggregate advantage, meaning the title would effectively come down to the return leg at Pumas’ home stadium.

A tied result would likely be viewed more positively by Pumas because they host the second leg and finished higher in the regular-season standings. However, unlike the quarterfinals and semifinals, seeding does not break ties in the final.

That means a draw in the first leg would simply leave the aggregate score level. If the teams also finish tied after the second leg, the final would proceed to extra time and, if necessary, a penalty shootout to decide the champion.

What happens if Cruz Azul lose to Pumas UNAM today?

If Cruz Azul lose the first leg, they would head into the second match trailing on aggregate and facing enormous pressure to respond away from home. Pumas would then control the series and move one step closer to winning their first Liga MX title since 2011.

A defeat would force Cruz Azul to chase the result in the return leg at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, one of the most difficult environments in Mexican soccer. Since there are no away-goal advantages in the final, they would simply need to overturn the aggregate deficit by scoring more total goals.

For Pumas, a first-leg victory would strengthen the belief created by their impressive Clausura campaign, which saw them finish atop the regular-season table with 36 points. Still, the series would remain alive.

The opening half was evenly contested, with both teams trading control and chances in a tense atmosphere. Cruz Azul took the lead through Jeremy Marquez, while Chivas responded quickly with an equalizer from Omar Govea to keep the match level at halftime. Goalkeepers were heavily involved throughout, keeping the score tight.

In the second half, Cruz Azul found the decisive moment through Agustin Palavecino, whose shot deflected off Diego Campillo and ended up in the net for the winning goal. Chivas continued pushing forward in search of an equalizer, but Cruz Azul held firm defensively to protect their advantage. In the end, Cruz Azul’s efficiency in key moments proved decisive in sealing their place in the final.

Guadalajara escaped Estadio Azteca with a valuable result and now returns home knowing that one more strong performance could send them to the final. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, arrives under pressure after letting the lead slip away.

With stars like Carlos Rodriguez, Jose Paradela, Efrain Alvarez and Angel Sepulveda expected to play key roles, the semifinal promises another emotional chapter in one of Mexico’s biggest rivalries.

What happens if Chivas beat Cruz Azul today?

If Chivas beat Cruz Azul today, Guadalajara will qualify for the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final. Any win in the second leg would give them the advantage on aggregate after the teams drew 2-2 in the opening match.

Chivas also enter the semifinal with an important advantage because of their regular-season finish. They ended the Clausura in second place with 36 points, while Cruz Azul finished third with 33 points.

That higher seed becomes the tiebreaker if the aggregate score is level after both matches. Under Liga MX rules, teams receive three points for a win, one for a draw and zero for a loss during the regular season.

What happens if Chivas and Cruz Azul tie today?

If Chivas and Cruz Azul tie today, Chivas will still advance to the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final. Since the first leg ended 2-2, any draw in the second leg would leave the aggregate score tied, which benefits them because of their higher regular-season ranking.

That means there would be no extra time or penalty shootout if the series stays level after 180 minutes. Instead, Gabriel Milito‘s men would automatically move on to the final thanks to their better placement in the standings.

This scenario puts all the pressure on Cruz Azul entering the second leg. La Maquina cannot afford another draw and must push for a victory away from home, while Chivas can approach the match more patiently.

What happens if Chivas lose to Cruz Azul today?

If Chivas lose to Cruz Azul today, Cruz Azul will advance to the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final. Any victory for La Maquina in the second leg would give them the aggregate lead and eliminate Guadalajara from the tournament.

Because the first leg finished 2-2, Joel Huiqui‘s team only needs to win by one goal to secure qualification. Results like 1-0, 2-1 or 3-2 would all be enough for the Mexico City side to reach the final.

Even though Chivas have the advantage of the standings, those points only matter if the aggregate score remains tied. A Cruz Azul win would erase their seeding advantage entirely because the series would no longer be level.

How to watch Chivas vs Cruz Azul in the USA

Fans in the United States will have several ways to watch this highly anticipated showdown live. Those looking to stream the action online can tune in through DirecTV Stream or Peacock, both of which will provide live coverage from start to finish.

Viewers who prefer a traditional television broadcast can catch the game on Telemundo or Universo as the networks bring every key moment of this marquee matchup to the screen.

Can I watch Chivas vs Cruz Azul for free?

Soccer fans across the United States will be able to stream this exciting showdown live through DirecTV Stream, which is currently offering a free access period for eligible new subscribers.

Viewers who don’t want to miss a second of the matchup can use the service’s 5-day trial to enjoy the full live coverage at no upfront cost before the limited-time promotion comes to an end.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The opening leg between these longtime rivals delivered exactly the kind of drama expected from two of the top sides in the Liga MX season, with the 2-2 result setting the stage for a decisive and highly anticipated return match.

Chivas Guadalajara will have the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, but the margin for error remains razor-thin against a dangerous Cruz Azul squad that has consistently shown it can rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments.

With a spot in the final on the line, the semifinal remains completely up for grabs heading into the second leg.

Chivas vs Cruz Azul: Predicted Lineups

Cruz Azul (5-3-2): Kevin Mier; Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Omar Campos; Amaury García, Charly Rodríguez, Agustín Palavecino, José Paradela, Carlos Rotondi; Christian Ebere, Giorgos Giakoumakis.

Chivas (3-5-2): Óscar Whalley; José Castillo, Diego Campillo, Miguel Tapias; Richard Ledezma, Santiago Sandoval, Fernando González, Omar Govea, Efraín Álvarez; Ricardo Marín, Ángel Sepúlveda.

What time is the Chivas vs Cruz Azul match?

The game will take place today, May 16, at 9:05 PM (ET). For viewers in different regions of the United States, here are the local start times:

Eastern Time: 9:05 PM
Central Time: 8:05 PM
Mountain Time: 7:05 PM
Pacific Time: 6:05 PM

The opening half started with both teams creating dangerous chances before Chivas took the lead through Sandoval after a rebound inside the box. Cruz Azul responded quickly thanks to a surprisingly long-range effort from Bryan Gonzalez that caught the goalkeeper off guard. The match then became increasingly physical, with several yellow cards and constant fouls interrupting the rhythm.

In the second half, Chivas regained the advantage after a perfect cross from Miguel Gomez found Angel Sepulveda inside the box. Cruz Azul answered once again after Christian Ebere converted a penalty following a VAR review. Both teams pushed until the final minutes, but neither side managed to find the winning goal, leaving the series wide open heading into the second leg.