Cruz Azul defeats Real Hope 2-0 in the Concacaf Champions Cup

MEXICO CITY - Club Deportivo Cruz Azul started their participation in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup on the right foot, after defeating Real Hope of Haiti 2-0 in the first leg of the first round. The match, held at the Cibao FC Stadium in the Dominican Republic, saw the Mexican team assert their dominance with goals from Ángel Sepúlveda and an own goal by the opponent.

From the initial whistle, Cruz Azul showed their intention to dominate the match, although they encountered a well-organized Real Hope in defense. The Haitian team set up a tight game, aiming to contain the Machine's attacks and betting on counterattacks. However, Cruz Azul's persistence paid off in the 38th minute, when Sepúlveda took advantage of a rebound inside the area to open the scoring with a powerful shot that left the opposing goalkeeper with no options.

In the second half, Cruz Azul's dominance intensified, and despite not creating many clear goal opportunities, the Mexican team maintained control of the match. The second goal came in the 75th minute, when a cross from Cruz Azul was deflected by a Real Hope defender, sending the ball into their own net.

With the 2-0 lead, Cruz Azul focused on controlling the time and preventing any attempt at a comeback from Real Hope. The Mexican team showed defensive solidity and managed to maintain the lead until the end of the match.

The second leg will be played on February 11 at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico, where Cruz Azul will seek to confirm their passage to the next round. Despite the advantage, the team led by Martín Anselmi is not overconfident and expects a tough match at home.

"We know it will be a difficult match, Real Hope is a team that plays well on the counterattack and won't give up easily," Anselmi stated in a press conference. "We have to come out with the same intensity and focus as today to secure the qualification."

Meanwhile, Real Hope will seek to spring a surprise in Mexico and overturn the deficit. The Haitian team trusts in their ability to create danger on the counterattack and hopes to capitalize on any mistake by Cruz Azul to make a difference.

The Concacaf Champions Cup is the most important club tournament in the region, and Cruz Azul aims to go as far as possible. The Mexican team has won this tournament six times and hopes to add another title to their record.

With the victory in the first leg, Cruz Azul takes an important step toward the next round, but there is still a way to go. The Mexican team must maintain focus and good play to confirm their passage and continue advancing in the tournament.