Cruz Azul vs. Colorado Rapids

In a night where pride and tenacity took center stage, Cruz Azul and the Colorado Rapids delivered a 2–2 stalemate that ultimately saw La Máquina edge through 5–4 on penalties, securing the extra point but bowing out of the Leagues Cup with no wins in regulation time.


Colorado Rapids, already eliminated from advancement, treated the encounter like a showcase—a stage for their youthful ensemble to shine. Rafael Navarro’s lightning-quick strike in the third minute set the tone, and Andreas Maxsø’s second goal further underscored their early dominance.

Cruz Azul’s early struggles mirrored their tournament woes, lacking cohesion—until a deflected finish from Willer Ditta before halftime reignited their charge.


The second half saw La Máquina pulling level thanks to Ignacio Rivero’s stunning volley, a moment of artistry that shifted momentum and injected belief into a night that had threatened to end in collapse.

From there, the match turned into a goalkeeper duel—Nico Hansen made save after save to keep Colorado competitive, while Kevin Mier would ultimately become the hero, denying Oliver Larraz in the shootout and extending Cruz Azul’s uncanny success in spot-kick dramas.


For Cruz Azul, this 2–2 (5–4 on pens) result was a bittersweet finale. They did enough to claim that crucial extra point—but still exit the tournament winless in regulation across all three group-stage matches.


The positives? Moments of resolve, Rivero’s brilliance, and yet another shootout victory to lean on—albeit amid growing concerns about lethargy and lack of cutting edge.

Colorado, though eliminated, have reasons to hold their heads high. Their energy, especially from debutants, matched Cré‐Celeste intensity; their effort was unapologetic, their ambition unmasked.


In the cruel calculus of tournament soccer, composure under pressure remains the ultimate currency. Yes, Cruz Azul leave with the slim consolation of a penalty win—but the deeper takeaway remains clear: without finishing and control in 90 minutes, silver linings can never become saviors.