Cruz Azul ties Chivas in trophies amid VAR controversies and Champions Cup win
On November 29, 2025, Cruz Azul lifted their seventh Concacaf Champions Cup trophy after a commanding 3-1 aggregate win over the Vancouver Whitecaps, sealing their place in Mexican football history. The victory pushed their official trophy count to 26 — tying Guadalajara Sports Club for second-most in the nation, just behind Club América’s 41. But here’s the twist: one of those trophies is under fire. The 2019 Leagues Cup win, which Liga MX counts as official, isn’t recognized by FIFA. Critics say Cruz Azul’s true total should be 25. The debate isn’t just academic — it’s fueling a firestorm over legitimacy, fairness, and who really owns the records.
The Trophy War: 25 or 26?
Cruz Azul’s trophy cabinet reads like a museum of Mexican dominance: nine Liga MX titles, four Copa MX crowns, three Champion of Champions trophies, one League Super Cup, one Supercopa MX, and now seven Concacaf Champions Cup wins. Add the 2019 Leagues Cup, and it’s 26. But FIFA’s stance is clear: the Leagues Cup, while featuring top Mexican and MLS clubs, is a commercial tournament — not an official international competition. That distinction matters. When you look at official FIFA-sanctioned records, only domestic and continental titles count. So if you strip out the Leagues Cup, Cruz Azul sits at 25 — one behind Chivas. And in a league where legacy is everything, that one trophy could define generations of debate.VAR’s Unlikely Hero: Opponents Keep Getting Red Cards
While fans argue over trophies, Cruz Azul’s real edge this season has been invisible — and controversial. In the Liga MX Apertura 2025, six opposing players have been sent off after VAR reviews. That’s a record since VAR’s 2018 debut. In five of those matches, Cruz Azul won — collecting 13 of 15 possible points. Their only loss? A 2-2 draw against Querétaro, where both teams had a player ejected. The latest example came in their win over Monterrey, when referee Víctor Cáceres upgraded a yellow card to a straight red for Óliver Torres after VAR flagged a dangerous challenge on José Paradela. Fans screamed foul. Cruz Azul supporters called it justice. Either way, it’s becoming a pattern.
Chivas Showdown: History Repeats — Or Does It?
Now, Cruz Azul faces Chivas in the Apertura 2025 quarterfinals. The first leg ended 0-0 at Akron Stadium in Zapopan on November 28, 2025. But the real controversy came in the 87th minute. Chivas’ Daniel Aguirre committed a blatant foul on a Cruz Azul counterattack, clearly warranting a second yellow. Referee Víctor Cáceres — again — let it slide. Former referee and TUDN analyst Fernando Guerrero called it “an unforgivable oversight” on X. Aguirre will play in the second leg on December 5 at the Olympic Stadium in Mexico City — a massive advantage for Chivas.And the ghosts of 2006 loom large. Back then, Cruz Azul was the higher-seeded team, just like now. Chivas entered via the Play-In round. Yet Chivas won 4-2 on aggregate, eliminating Cruz Azul in the quarterfinals. They won in Guadalajara, held on in Mexico City. Now, history is asking: will Chivas do it again? The stakes are higher. Cruz Azul’s trophy count hangs in the balance. Chivas’ fans, long overshadowed by América and Cruz Azul, smell an opportunity to reclaim relevance.
The Women’s Team Makes History — And Nobody’s Talking
While the men’s side battles over red cards and disputed titles, Cruz Azul’s women’s team quietly rewrote the record books. They crushed reigning champions Pachuca 5-0 in the Liga MX Femenil quarterfinals, advancing to the semifinals for the first time ever. It’s a milestone that deserves headlines. Instead, it’s buried under VAR drama and trophy counts. That’s the paradox of modern football: the men’s controversies dominate the narrative, while the women’s breakthroughs — often more decisive — fade into the background.
What’s Next?
The second leg of the Cruz Azul-Chivas quarterfinal is set for December 5, 2025, at the Olympic Stadium. If Cruz Azul wins, they’ll reach the final — and with it, a shot at their 10th Liga MX title. But if Chivas holds firm, the trophy debate intensifies. Will Cruz Azul’s 26th trophy be celebrated — or questioned? And will VAR continue to tilt matches in their favor, or will the backlash force a reckoning?Meanwhile, Club América is waiting. They’ve already qualified for the Clausura 2025 final after eliminating Cruz Azul in the semifinals on June 5, 2025 — a match marred by controversy. Cristian Borja’s 78th-minute winner came after a disputed throw-in and foul on Chiquete Orozco that went unpunished. América’s coach André Jardine now has a chance to become the first to win four consecutive short-format titles. The league’s power structure is shifting — and Cruz Azul is caught in the middle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 2019 Leagues Cup count for Cruz Azul but not FIFA?
Liga MX officially recognizes the Leagues Cup as a domestic trophy because it involves Mexican clubs competing in a structured tournament under its governance. FIFA, however, only recognizes competitions sanctioned by its continental confederations — like the Concacaf Champions Cup. Since the Leagues Cup includes MLS teams and is organized as a commercial partnership, FIFA classifies it as a friendly or exhibition event, not an official title. This creates a disconnect between national and international record-keeping.
How has VAR changed the balance of power in Liga MX?
Since its 2018 introduction, VAR has increased the number of red cards issued for previously missed fouls — but unevenly. Cruz Azul has benefited disproportionately in Apertura 2025, with six opponents sent off after VAR reviews, the highest in league history. In those matches, they’ve earned 13 of 15 points. Critics argue referees are over-relying on VAR to justify harsher calls against rivals, while supporters say it’s finally correcting long-standing errors. The trend raises questions about consistency and whether VAR is being used to protect certain teams.
Why is the Chivas vs. Cruz Azul rivalry so emotionally charged?
Chivas represents tradition, regional pride, and a fanbase that rejects commercialization — while Cruz Azul, once seen as the “state club” under government ties, symbolizes institutional power. Their 2006 quarterfinal clash, where Chivas eliminated the higher-seeded Cruz Azul, became legendary. Now, with Chivas entering via the Play-In round again and Cruz Azul holding a better position, the narrative mirrors 2006. For Chivas fans, this is redemption. For Cruz Azul, it’s a chance to silence doubters — and secure their 26th trophy without controversy.
Is Cruz Azul’s record of six VAR red cards against opponents sustainable?
Unlikely. While Cruz Azul’s disciplined defending and aggressive pressing may force opponents into reckless challenges, six red cards in one tournament is statistically extraordinary. The previous record was three in a single Apertura. The pattern suggests either elite VAR timing — or targeted officiating. Liga MX’s refereeing committee is already reviewing the data. If the trend continues, they may adjust VAR protocols or mandate more consistent application across all teams.
What does this mean for Mexican football’s global reputation?
Controversies like disputed trophies and inconsistent VAR use undermine Mexico’s credibility on the international stage. Concacaf already struggles with perceptions of bias. When a team’s trophy count is debated by FIFA and their wins rely on controversial red cards, it fuels skepticism. For Mexican clubs to gain respect in global competitions like the Champions Cup, they need clean, consistent governance — not just dominance on the field.
Why isn’t Cruz Azul’s women’s team getting more attention?
Despite their historic 5-0 win over Pachuca — the reigning champions — Cruz Azul’s women’s team received minimal media coverage compared to the men’s VAR drama. This reflects a broader issue in Mexican football: men’s leagues dominate headlines, sponsorships, and broadcast deals. The women’s team’s breakthrough should be a milestone for the league, but without equal promotion, their achievements risk being erased from public memory — even as the men’s side fights over numbers.
