3 Cruz Azul weaknesses Vancouver Whitecaps can exploit in Concacaf final | OneFootball

The Vancouver Whitecaps are the biggest positive surprise in MLS in 2025.

They've lost only once in league play to reach the top of the Western Conference standings. And on Sunday night they'll play for their first continental trophy when they face Cruz Azul in Sunday evening's Concacaf Champions Cup final.

Cruz Azul earned the right to host the match at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario based on their superior results in the previous three rounds. But the Liga MX giants still have very real weaknesses the Whitecap can take advantage of.

Here are three shortcomings 'Caps manager Jesper Sørensen, his assistants and his squad should look to exploit.

Gabriel Matias Fernandez is out

Toluca v Cruz Azul - Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX | Jam Media/GettyImages

Cruz Azul will be short-handed in attack on Sunday, with Gabriel Matias Fernandez out to injury.

The absence means Cruz Azul will have to lean even more on Concacaf Champions Cup leading scorer Angel Sepulveda. And in response, the Whitecaps should focus on a more conservative, deeper defensive block.

It's a similar posture to what Vancouver took in both legs of their semifinal victory over Inter Miami, in which the Whitecaps earned a 5-1 aggregate victory.

Vicente Sanchez's in experience

America v Cruz Azul - Playoffs Torneo Clausura 2025 Liga MX | Manuel Velasquez/GettyImages

Another issue Jesper Sørensen needs to anticipate is Vicente Sanchez's lack of managerial experience in big games.

While Sanchez had a long and well-traveled playing career, Cruz Azul represents his first senior managerial role. And a recent exit in the 2025 Clausura playoffs to Club America -- in which Cruz Azul gave back a two-goal aggregate lead -- may leave Sanchez second-guessing some of his decisions.

Sorensen may be able to exploit this flaw by proposing different offensive variations that caught Sanchez off-guard. At the very least, he should feel more confident in his ability to handle the moment after a decade of senior managerial experience.

Defensive errors playing out from the back

Under Cruz Azul is a team that tries to start their plays from the back. They intend to copy the modern style of football. What this means is they won't throw the ball away, even if the other team is under high and aggressive pressure.

Of course, if the Whitecaps can't both play a deep block and focus on pressuring high all game. But they should be aware there are times when bringing the line far higher could provide enormous benefits.

It's all about timing. Just as it was when the 'Caps turned selective pressure into goals in their 2-2 draw at CF Monterrey in the round of 16, which helped Vancouver win in that round on aggregate.