Liga MX’s current champions are Cruz Azul after they defeated their city rivals, Pumas UNAM 2-1 in a dramatic final of the 2026 Clausura tournament at Estadio Olímpico Universitario on Sunday. The win helped Cruz Azul clinch its tenth Mexican league crown after five years since the club’s last triumph in the 2021 Clausura tournament.
Following the first leg that finished with no goals, the second leg was full of excitement where both Mexico City-based teams fought for the top prize in the Mexican football league. Pumas took the lead at the 30th minute with the help of the goal from Paraguayan player Robert Morales, who scored from outside the penalty box after a scramble inside.
In response to the early goal, Cruz Azul stepped up its attacking style in the second half of the game. The visitors were level thanks to the own goal by Pumas defender Rubén Duarte after the 53rd minute as Rotondi found himself in a dangerous situation in the box.
The match was going towards the extra time stage but in the dying seconds, Rotondi became the savior of Cruz Azul scoring the winner at the 93rd minute.
Pumas’ dream to take revenge was dashed further as Uriel Antuna received a red card in the last moments of the game. In the subsequent minutes, another player got sent off from Pumas’ side leaving the home team with only 10 men.
The current triumph was not expected at all considering that the interim coach, Joel Huiqui, who had no prior experience in running the first team, led Cruz Azul to the title within just seven matches in his tenure.
The win made Cruz Azul become the ninth champion in its history and the fourth-best team in professional sports competition by the number of won championships. All the top three teams have one more title compared to Cruz Azul’s ten victories.
For Pumas, the defeat continued its league title drought since 2011.