Cruz Azul Media Day Quotes: “We know what's at stake" | OneFootball

MEXICO CITY – The 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup awaits its champion, as Mexican side Cruz Azul sets its sights on a record-tying seventh conquest when it meets Vancouver Whitecaps FC on Sunday at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City, Mexico.

La Máquina is at the doors of history, having the chance to tie crosstown rivals Club América for the all-time lead. The Cementeros previously won the CCC in the 1969, 1970, 1971, 1996, 1997, and 2013–14 editions.

Manager Vicente Sánchez and select players previewed the decisive match at Saturday’s Media Day. Ahead are some of the notable quotes.

Head Coach Vicente Sánchez

I'm very happy, very calm, working hard preparing for the final. A very special match for everything it means to the institution. I'm very calm and happy to have reached the final.

The motivation is there. Every time you're on the field, the goal is to win. Today it’s a final, and it's very important because of everything it encompasses and what's to come.

It's been a spectacular semester, with two matches per week. We're undefeated in our path to this final, so the motivation is there.

We're excited to represent Mexican soccer globally. We know what's at stake and we're prepared.

Midfielder Carlos Rotondi

I dream every day of lifting a trophy, of being a champion wearing this jersey. Now I hope that this entire group, which has been competing for a year and a half in the final stages of every competition, can shake off the sting of winning the title.

I hope we can give the fans something to cheer about. This is an important project the club is starting; we're competing, but in football, if you don't win a title, it doesn’t mean anything.

Midfielder Mateusz Bogusz

In the past two years I played them [Vancouver] maybe nine or ten times, but a lot has changed this season. I believe they have a new coach; they play a different formation. They beat very strong opponents like Inter Miami, Monterrey as well.

We also had a very good season, we just lost two games, so I think there will be a very nice game tomorrow.

Midfielder Carlos Rodríguez

When I arrived here, I said that I wanted to win things with this club. I think we've had a very good year and a half, we've come close to achieving things, and I think tomorrow would be putting another check mark on what we've been doing very well and in making this project even stronger than it already is.

We have a great opportunity ahead of us for each of us to go down in the club's history.

Forward Ángel Sepúlveda

The team has done things very well. We've had our best year in terms of points. There have been many positives, but we still need to crown it with a title. Winning games is good, but there's no way to win titles, that's clear.

The team’s motivation couldn't be higher. We have a thousand things to win, there are many prizes at stake. We know the importance of lifting a trophy, and we have to stay very calm so that tomorrow is a great night with our fans at home.