Cruz Azul vs Pumas: Head-to-Head, 2026 Final, Next Game, Stats & Where to Watch
Get the latest Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM news, head-to-head stats, 2026 final result, next game, standings, lineups, tickets, prediction, and where to watch the Liga MX rivalry.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM is one of the biggest matchups in Mexican soccer. The Mexico City rivals have already produced one of the most dramatic games of 2026, with Cruz Azul beating Pumas 2-1 in the Clausura Liga MX final to win the club’s 10th league title.
Now the rivalry is ready for another chapter.
Pumas UNAM will host Cruz Azul on Sunday, October 11, 2026, in Jornada 11 of the Apertura 2026 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The match comes less than five months after the teams met in the final, making this one of the most interesting games on the Liga MX schedule.
Here is a complete guide to Cruz Azul vs Pumas, including the 2026 final, head-to-head record, recent results, current standings, key players, expected lineups, tickets, TV coverage, and what to expect from the next meeting.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas: Quick Match Details
| Detail | Information |
| Match | Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul |
| Competition | Liga MX Apertura 2026 |
| Round | Jornada 11 |
| Date | Sunday, October 11, 2026 |
| Kickoff | 7:00 p.m. Central Mexico time |
| Stadium | Estadio Olímpico Universitario |
| Location | Mexico City, Mexico |
| Home team | Pumas UNAM |
| Away team | Cruz Azul |
| Previous meeting | Pumas 1-2 Cruz Azul |
| Previous meeting competition | Clausura 2026 final |
Cruz Azul’s official schedule confirms the October 11 fixture at 7:00 p.m. in Jornada 11, while Pumas lists the same game on its official calendar.
Who Won the Last Cruz Azul vs Pumas Match?
Cruz Azul won the most recent meeting 2-1.
That game was the second leg of the Clausura 2026 Liga MX final at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The match was played on May 24, 2026, although Cruz Azul’s official match report was published on May 25.
The result gave Cruz Azul a 2-1 aggregate victory after the first leg had finished 0-0. It also delivered Cruz Azul’s 10th Liga MX championship.
Robert Morales put Pumas ahead in the 31st minute. Cruz Azul responded after halftime when Rubén Duarte scored an own goal following a dangerous attack involving Rodolfo Rotondi.
The decisive moment arrived deep into stoppage time. Rotondi found the winning goal in the 95th minute, turning a difficult final into a championship celebration for Cruz Azul. Pumas also finished with 10 players after Uriel Antuna was sent off following a VAR review.
So, if you are searching for “quien gano Cruz Azul vs Pumas,” the answer is Cruz Azul.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas Final 2026: How the Championship Was Decided
The Clausura 2026 final was especially important because it was the third Liga MX final between these two clubs.
Their previous championship meetings came in 1978-79 and 1980-81. Cruz Azul won the first of those finals, while Pumas won the second. That made the 2026 series another chapter in a long postseason rivalry.
First Leg: Cruz Azul 0-0 Pumas
The opening game took place at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.
Neither side could score, leaving the championship completely open for the second leg. Keylor Navas was particularly important for Pumas, making several saves to keep the visitors in the contest.
The 0-0 result also meant that the second match would determine the champion without a meaningful aggregate advantage for either team.
Second Leg: Pumas 1-2 Cruz Azul
The decisive match was played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
Pumas scored first through Robert Morales, but Cruz Azul eventually equalized through a Rubén Duarte own goal. Rotondi then scored the championship-winning goal in the final moments.
The official Cruz Azul report lists the three goals as Morales in the 31st minute, Duarte’s own goal in the 54th, and Rotondi’s winner in the 90+5th minute.
The victory completed Cruz Azul’s 10th Liga MX title. It was also a major moment for interim coach Joel Huiqui, who had taken charge shortly before the championship run. Reuters reported that the victory ended Cruz Azul’s five-year wait for another league title.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head numbers depend on which competitions and historical periods are included, so it is important to define the statistic.
Before the 2026 final, Pumas’ official historical figures listed 74 meetings between the clubs in the short-tournament era. Pumas had 17 wins, 25 draws and 32 defeats in those matches. Including the 2026 final adds another Cruz Azul victory.
That means the short-tournament record after the 2026 final stands at:
- Cruz Azul wins: 33
- Pumas UNAM wins: 17
- Draws: 25
The two clubs have also met many times outside the regular Liga MX short-tournament format. Pumas’ official records list additional meetings in cup competitions, Concacaf competitions, Pre-Libertadores, InterLiga and the old second division.
Because different statistical databases count different competitions, readers may see different Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM stats online. The safest approach is to check whether a source is counting only Liga MX short tournaments or all official competitions.
Recent Cruz Azul vs Pumas Results
The recent series has been competitive, even though Cruz Azul won the 2026 championship.
Here are the latest meetings:
| Date | Competition | Result |
| May 24, 2026 | Clausura Final, second leg | Pumas 1-2 Cruz Azul |
| May 21, 2026 | Clausura Final, first leg | Cruz Azul 0-0 Pumas |
| March 14, 2026 | Clausura 2026 | Pumas 2-2 Cruz Azul |
| November 8, 2025 | Apertura 2025 | Cruz Azul 2-3 Pumas |
| April 5, 2025 | Clausura 2025 | Cruz Azul 3-2 Pumas |
| October 26, 2024 | Apertura 2024 | Pumas 0-2 Cruz Azul |
The March 2026 meeting is particularly useful when looking at the upcoming game because it was also played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Cruz Azul led 2-0 before Pumas fought back to earn a 2-2 draw.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM Timeline: Key Recent Events
The rivalry has produced several important moments over the last two seasons.
March 2026: Pumas Come Back From 2-0 Down
Cruz Azul looked in control when Nicolás Ibáñez and Carlos Rodríguez gave the visitors a two-goal lead.
Pumas responded with a goal from Juninho Vieira and then benefited from an own goal to level the match at 2-2. The result showed why the matchup can change quickly even when one side appears to be in control.
May 2026: Scoreless First Leg
The first game of the Clausura final ended 0-0.
Cruz Azul had chances, but Pumas’ defense and goalkeeper Keylor Navas kept the score level. The result set up a winner-takes-the-title second leg.
May 2026: Cruz Azul Win the Final
Pumas scored first in the second leg, but Cruz Azul turned the match around.
Rotondi’s late goal became the defining moment of the series, giving Cruz Azul the title at Pumas’ home stadium.
October 2026: The Rivalry Returns
The next Cruz Azul vs Pumas game comes in the Apertura regular season rather than the playoffs.
That difference matters. There is no championship on the line this time, but both teams have important league-table goals as they approach the second half of the regular season.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas Standings Before the Next Game
Cruz Azul entered the international break with 16 points after 10 Apertura matches and sat seventh in the table. Pumas had 12 points and were 12th. Cruz Azul’s official report after Jornada 10 confirms its seventh-place position, while current match data also lists Pumas in 12th.
That creates an important difference between the teams.
Cruz Azul are trying to move higher into the playoff picture, while Pumas need points to close the gap and strengthen their chances of reaching the postseason.
The standings can change quickly in Liga MX, so the table should always be checked again close to kickoff.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas Next Game
The next Cruz Azul vs Pumas game is scheduled for:
Sunday, October 11, 2026
Kickoff: 7:00 p.m. Mexico City time
Venue: Estadio Olímpico Universitario
Competition: Liga MX Apertura 2026, Jornada 11
Pumas are the home team.
Both clubs list the match for October 11 at 7:00 p.m. on their official schedules.
For U.S. viewers, that corresponds to 9:00 p.m. Eastern, 8:00 p.m. Central and 6:00 p.m. Pacific, according to current broadcast listings.
Where to Watch Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM
For viewers in the United States, current listings show the match on TUDN, with streaming availability through ViX.
The exact channel and streaming package can depend on the viewer’s location and provider, so fans should check their local TV listings before kickoff.
For viewers in Mexico, TUDN has published the match information for Jornada 11.
If you are searching for “Cruz Azul vs Pumas where to watch,” “where to watch Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul,” or “Cruz Azul vs Pumas en vivo,” TUDN and ViX are the main services to check for current broadcast information.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas Tickets
The match will be played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario, Pumas’ home stadium.
Ticketmaster Mexico lists the fixture as Pumas vs Cruz Azul on October 11 at 7:00 p.m. and provides the official ticketing information. Availability and prices can change, especially for a high-profile Mexico City rivalry.
Fans searching for “Cruz Azul vs Pumas tickets,” “boletos Cruz Azul vs Pumas,” or “boletos Pumas vs Cruz Azul” should use official ticket channels rather than unofficial resale listings.
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Ticketmaster also notes that ticket availability is subject to change and that the event has specific stadium-entry restrictions.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM Lineups
Starting lineups for the October match are not confirmed until shortly before kickoff.
That means predicted lineups should not be treated as official team sheets.
Current projected lineups have Pumas using a 4-4-2 shape, with Keylor Navas in goal and players such as Nathan Silva, Rodrigo López, Uriel Antuna and Juninho among the expected options.
Cruz Azul are projected in a 5-3-2 formation, with players including Andrés Gudiño, Willer Ditta, Gonzalo Piovi, Carlos Rodríguez, José Paradela, Nicolás Ibáñez and Gabriel Fernández.
The final Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM lineups should be checked when the clubs officially announce their starting elevens.
Why the Lineups Matter
This game has an interesting tactical contrast.
Pumas have home-field advantage and can use their attacking players to pressure Cruz Azul early. Cruz Azul, meanwhile, have several attacking options and have recently shown that they can score in high-pressure games.
The midfield battle could be especially important. José Paradela has been a major creative outlet for Cruz Azul, while Pumas will need enough possession and movement to prevent the visitors from controlling the match.
Key Players to Watch
Nicolás Ibáñez — Cruz Azul
Ibáñez is one of the players Pumas must track closely.
He has already scored against Pumas in 2026, including during the March 2-2 draw at the Olímpico Universitario. His movement gives Cruz Azul an option both inside the penalty area and during quick attacking transitions.
José Paradela — Cruz Azul
Paradela provides creativity from midfield.
Current season statistics have him among Cruz Azul’s leading chance creators, making him important when the team needs to break through a compact Pumas defense.
Keylor Navas — Pumas UNAM
The experienced goalkeeper remains one of Pumas’ biggest defensive assets.
Navas played an important role during the Clausura final, especially in the first leg when Cruz Azul created several opportunities.
Robert Morales — Pumas UNAM
Morales scored Pumas’ only goal in the second leg of the 2026 final.
He is another player Cruz Azul will need to monitor because of his ability to attack space and finish chances around the penalty area.
Olavio — Pumas UNAM
Olavio has emerged as another important attacking option for Pumas during the Apertura campaign.
Current pre-match statistics list him as Pumas’ leading scorer with five goals heading into the Cruz Azul match.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas Form Guide
Recent form gives Cruz Azul a slight advantage heading into the next meeting.
Before the international break, Cruz Azul’s five most recent Liga MX results were:
- Cruz Azul 3-3 Toluca
- Monterrey 1-0 Cruz Azul
- Cruz Azul 4-3 América
- Cruz Azul 1-0 Santos Laguna
- Necaxa 1-3 Cruz Azul
Pumas’ recent five were:
- Pumas 2-3 Atlético de San Luis
- Atlas 1-1 Pumas
- Chivas 3-0 Pumas
- Pumas 3-1 León
- Tijuana 2-0 Pumas
The results show why this match is difficult to predict. Cruz Azul have been scoring more freely, while Pumas have struggled for consistency.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas Prediction
A prediction should never be treated as a guaranteed result, especially in a rivalry match.
On paper, Cruz Azul have several advantages. They are higher in the standings, have more recent attacking momentum and already beat Pumas in the Clausura final.
However, Pumas have two major reasons for optimism: home-field advantage and the memory of their comeback against Cruz Azul earlier in 2026.
The March match at the Olímpico Universitario finished 2-2 after Cruz Azul built a two-goal lead. That result shows that Pumas can make this matchup uncomfortable even when they fall behind.
A reasonable expectation is another competitive game with chances for both sides. Cruz Azul may have the stronger overall form, but Pumas at home should not be underestimated.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas: Final vs Regular-Season Meeting
It is easy to treat every Cruz Azul vs Pumas match as if it has the same importance, but the context is different.
The May 2026 final was about one thing: the Liga MX championship.
The October 2026 meeting is about league positioning.
That changes the tactical approach. In a final, teams often accept long periods without taking risks because one mistake can decide a title. In a regular-season game, both sides have more opportunities to recover from a bad result.
For fans following Cruz Azul vs Pumas 2026, this is one of the most interesting storylines: the clubs are meeting again after a title series that was decided by a goal in the final moments.
Why Cruz Azul vs Pumas Is Such a Big Rivalry
Both clubs come from Mexico City, and the geographic connection gives the fixture extra importance.
Pumas represent the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México and play at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Cruz Azul are one of Mexico’s historic clubs and have built a large following across the capital.
Their rivalry has also grown through important Liga MX and playoff meetings.
The 2026 final added another major chapter because the two teams met for the league championship and played the decisive match at Pumas’ stadium.
That history is why searches such as “Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM,” “Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul,” “Pumas vs Cruz Azul final,” and “Cruz Azul Pumas” continue to attract attention whenever the teams meet.
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Cruz Azul vs Pumas: Important Historical Context
The 2026 championship was not the first Liga MX final between the clubs.
Pumas and Cruz Azul had already met in two previous league finals. Cruz Azul won the 1978-79 series, while Pumas captured the 1980-81 title. The 2026 final therefore gave both teams another chance to gain an advantage in their championship history against one another.
The rivalry also extends beyond league finals.
According to Pumas’ historical records, the clubs have faced each other in Copa competitions, Concacaf tournaments, Pre-Libertadores, InterLiga and Segunda División, in addition to Liga MX.
This is why a simple list of league results does not tell the complete story of Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM.
What Could Decide the October Match?
1. Pumas’ Home Advantage
Estadio Olímpico Universitario is one of the most recognizable stadiums in Mexican soccer.
Pumas will hope the home crowd helps them start quickly and recover confidence after an inconsistent run of results.
2. Cruz Azul’s Attacking Form
Cruz Azul have recently been involved in high-scoring games, including a 4-3 victory over América and a 3-3 draw with Toluca. Their attacking players are capable of creating problems even when the defense gives up chances.
3. The Midfield Battle
Both teams need control in midfield.
If Cruz Azul can give Paradela and Rodríguez time on the ball, they can create chances for Ibáñez and Fernández. If Pumas win the midfield battle, they can force Cruz Azul deeper and give their forwards more opportunities.
4. The First Goal
The first goal could have a major effect.
Pumas showed in March that they can recover from a two-goal deficit, but Cruz Azul also demonstrated in the final that they can remain dangerous until the very end.
Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM Stats to Know
Here are some of the most useful numbers before the next meeting:
- Cruz Azul won the Clausura 2026 final 2-1 on aggregate.
- The first leg of the final ended 0-0.
- Pumas won the previous regular-season meeting 2-0? No — the March 2026 match ended 2-2.
- Cruz Azul and Pumas also met in November 2025, when Pumas won 3-2.
- The October 2026 match is scheduled for Jornada 11.
- Cruz Azul had 16 points after 10 Apertura matches.
- Pumas had 12 points after 10 matches.
- The October game will be played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario.
One important correction for readers comparing older articles: the Clausura 2026 final was decided on May 24, not May 25. May 25 is the publication date shown on Cruz Azul’s official match report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Cruz Azul vs Pumas final in 2026?
Cruz Azul won the Clausura 2026 final. They beat Pumas 2-1 in the second leg and won the series 2-1 on aggregate. The decisive goal was scored by Rodolfo Rotondi in stoppage time.
When is Cruz Azul vs Pumas next?
The next Cruz Azul vs Pumas match is scheduled for Sunday, October 11, 2026, at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. Central Mexico time.
What was the Cruz Azul vs Pumas score in the last game?
The last match finished Pumas 1-2 Cruz Azul in the second leg of the Clausura 2026 final.
Where can I watch Pumas vs Cruz Azul in the United States?
Current U.S. listings show TUDN as a broadcaster, with streaming availability through ViX. Check your provider and local listings because coverage can vary by package.
Where will Cruz Azul vs Pumas be played?
The October 2026 match will be played at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City, with Pumas serving as the home team.
Are the Cruz Azul vs Pumas lineups confirmed?
No. Starting lineups are normally confirmed shortly before kickoff. Current projected lineups should be treated as predictions rather than official team sheets.
How many times have Cruz Azul and Pumas met in a Liga MX final?
They have met in three Liga MX finals: 1978-79, 1980-81 and Clausura 2026. Cruz Azul won the first and third, while Pumas won the second.
What is the Cruz Azul vs Pumas head-to-head record?
The exact figure depends on the competition and statistical period being used. In Pumas’ official short-tournament record before the 2026 final, there were 74 meetings: 17 Pumas wins, 25 draws and 32 Cruz Azul wins. The 2026 final added another Cruz Azul victory.
Can I buy Cruz Azul vs Pumas tickets?
Yes. Ticketmaster Mexico lists the October 11 match at Estadio Olímpico Universitario. Ticket availability and prices can change, so fans should check the official event listing before buying.
Is Cruz Azul vs Pumas the same as Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul?
Yes. These names refer to the same matchup. “Pumas UNAM vs Cruz Azul” is simply the home-team-first version used for the October 2026 fixture, while “Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM” is another common way to describe the rivalry.
Final Takeaway
Cruz Azul vs Pumas has everything that makes a Liga MX rivalry worth following: two major Mexico City clubs, a long competitive history, important playoff meetings and a recent championship decided by a last-minute goal.
Cruz Azul enter the October 11, 2026 meeting as the reigning Clausura champion and the higher-ranked team after 10 Apertura matches. Pumas, however, have home advantage and will be looking to respond after losing the league final only months ago.
The biggest storyline is simple: Cruz Azul won the trophy, but Pumas now have a chance to answer on their own field.
For anyone searching for the Cruz Azul vs Pumas score today, Cruz Azul vs Pumas next game, Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM standings, Cruz Azul vs Pumas UNAM lineups, tickets, prediction, or where to watch information, the October 11 Jornada 11 meeting is the next major date to circle on the Liga MX calendar.
