Cruz Azul defeated Vancouver FC 3-0 on February 4, 2026, in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup opening-round matchup at Willoughby Community Park in Langley. The Mexican side dominated with 70% possession and three unanswered goals, leaving the Canadian Premier League team with a significant deficit heading into the second leg.
Match Highlights
- Early Control: Cruz Azul established dominance early, with José Paradela opening the scoring in the 22nd minute with a shot from the center of the box assisted by Gabriel Fernández.
- Double Before Half: Amaury Morales doubled the lead just before halftime in the 44th minute, finishing a right-footed shot following persistent pressure.
- Sealing the Win: AgustÃn Palavecino scored the third goal in the 64th minute, again assisted by Fernández, to secure a comfortable advantage for “La Máquina”.
- Late Injury: Cruz Azul’s striker Gabriel Fernández had to be assisted off the field with an injury in the 94th minute, potentially missing the return leg.
- Vancouver’s Resistance: Despite the scoreline, Vancouver showed spirit in the second half, with David Norman Jr. nearly scoring on an acrobatic bicycle kick that required a diving save from Emmanuel Ochoa.Â
Match Statistics
| Statistic | Vancouver FC | Cruz Azul |
|---|---|---|
| Score | 0 | 3 |
| Possession | 30% | 70% |
| Total Shots | 6 | 20 |
| Shots on Target | 1 | 6 |
| Corner Kicks | 1 | 7 |
| Yellow Cards | 3 | 3 |
Looking Ahead
Vancouver FC will travel to Mexico City to face Cruz Azul in the second leg at Banorte Stadium on Thursday, February 12, 2026 (local time). Vancouver qualified for this tournament by reaching the 2025 Canadian Championship final.