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 second leg developed into a tactical battle, with Pumas controlling key stretches of possession while Pachuca relied on compact defensive structure and quick transitions led by Enner Valencia. Both sides struggled to consistently generate clear scoring chances in open play, with much of the danger coming from set pieces and isolated moments in wide areas. The intensity increased after halftime, but final execution in the attacking third remained the key difference.

In the end, Pumas managed the match intelligently after taking the lead, slowing down Pachuca’s momentum and closing spaces effectively until full time. Pachuca had late opportunities to equalize, including a clear chance that went over the bar from Salomon Rondon, but could not capitalize. The result sends Pumas UNAM into the Liga MX 2026 Clausura final against Cruz Azul, while Pachuca exit after a narrow and competitive semifinal series.

How to watch Pumas UNAM vs Pachuca in the USA

Fans in the United States will have plenty of ways to follow this highly anticipated matchup live. Those wanting to stream the game online can watch through Paramount+, Amazon Prime Video, DirecTV Stream, or ViX, with each platform providing live coverage from kickoff to the final whistle.

Viewers who prefer watching on traditional television can tune in to CBS Sports Golazo Network, Univision, or TUDN, as the networks bring all the biggest moments and key plays from this marquee showdown to the screen.

Can I watch Pumas UNAM vs Pachuca for free?

Fans in the United States can catch every minute of this highly anticipated clash live on DirecTV Stream, with eligible new users currently able to access the platform through a special free promotional offer.

Those hoping to follow all the action from kickoff to the final whistle can activate the service’s 5-day free trial and watch the complete broadcast without paying anything during the limited-time deal.

Match Preview: What’s at stake?

The Clausura 2026 semifinal heads to Mexico City with everything still on the line after Pachuca earned a slim first-leg advantage at home. Now, the pressure shifts to Pumas UNAM, a club that has consistently thrived in front of its fans and remains very much alive in the series despite the one-goal deficit.

Pachuca enters the decisive second leg believing it has what it takes to punch its ticket to the final, but Pumas have already proven how dangerous they can be at Estadio Olimpico Universitario and are confident they can rally their way into the championship round.

Pumas UNAM vs Pachuca: Predicted Lineups

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

Pachuca (4-2-3-1): Carlos Moreno, Carlos Sánchez, Sergio Barreto, Jorge Berlanga, Brian García, Christian Rivera, Elías Montiel, Kenedy, Víctor Guzmán, Oussama Idrissi, Salomon Rondon.

What time is the Pumas UNAM vs Pachuca match?

The game will take place today, May 17, 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

Pumas UNAM were the leaders in the standings of the regular season, so for Pachuca to beat them and head into the second leg with a one-goal advantage is massive. Now, the ‘Tuzos‘ have to defend their lead away against one of the best teams in all of the Liga MX.

As for Pumas, they will try to make their home a fortress. Keylor Navas will start in goal and he could be key, as the keeper is arguably the best in all of Liga MX. However, Pumas need to score, so all eyes will be on players like Juninho, Uriel Antuna or Adalberto Carrasquilla to make an impact on the scoreboard.

What happens if Pumas UNAM beat Pachuca today?

Pumas need to win just 1-0 to go to the Liga MX 2026 Clausura final, as they hold the tiebreaker because of their first spot in the regular season standings. Hence, their only pressure is to win the game, no matter the final score, and they will have the chance to get play for their first Liga MX title since 2011.

What happens if Pumas UNAM and Pachuca tie today?

If the 90 minutes are played in Ciudad Universitaria, and the score is a draw between both sides, then Pachuca are moving forward thanks to the aggregate score, which is bolstered by the Tuzos’ 1-0 win in the first leg. Hence, Pumas are the team facing the most pressure.

What happens if Pumas UNAM lose to Pachuca today?

This would be the absolute worst-case scenario for Pumas UNAM. They would get eliminated from title contention, and also end the season with a home defeat after being arguably the best team in Liga MX throughout the season.

Hence, it all unfolds like this: the only result that Pumas UNAM need is to win, no matter how much. A tie or a loss would eliminate them from the Liga MX 2026 Clausura. This would put Pachuca in the final against Cruz Azul.

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.