LANGLEY, Canada – The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup continued with defending champions Cruz Azul earning a 3-nil win over Vancouver FC in the first leg of their Round One series on Wednesday at Willoughby Stadium in Langley, British Columbia, Canada.
La Máquina opened the scoring in the 22’ as Agustín Palavecino’s shot from the edge of the box deflected off a teammate and fell to José Paradela to fire home the goal.
The Mexican side doubled its lead right before the halftime break, after a long blast from Gabriel Fernández was saved, but the rebound was cleaned up by Amaury Morales in the 44’.
In the 65’, Fernández linked up to assist Palavecino on a great build-up play and the third goal for the reigning CCC holders.
Goalkeeper Emmanuel Ochoa recorded a clean sheet, making two saves in his Cruz Azul debut, including a massive stop on a thunderous bicycle kick attempt from David Norman Jr. in the 73’.
Los Cementeros are now unbeaten in their last nine matches against Canadian foes in the Champions Cup, with seven wins and two losses.
Cruz Azul will host the second leg of the series on February 12 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, Mexico. The winner on aggregate will advance to the Round of 16.
