Cruz Azul struck an authoritative blow away from home and practically sealed the series against Vancouver FC after winning 3-0 in the first leg of the First Round of the Concacaf Champions Cup, played at Willoughby Community Park. The team coached by Nicolás Larcamón showed solvency, control and offensive depth, taking a firm step towards the round of 16 of the continental tournament.
From the start, La Máquina was clearly superior. Without needing to over-accelerate, the Mexican team managed possession, moved the ball patiently and wore down a Vancouver team that was tactically and physically overwhelmed. This dominance was reflected in the scoreboard in the 22nd minute, when José Paradela opened the account after a tight play in the area that ended up deflecting the ball after a previous shot by Gabriel “Toro” Fernández.
Cruz Azul kills the game
Before halftime came Cruz Azul’s second strike.
Fernandez was again in the spotlight with a powerful shot that goalkeeper Callum Irving could barely keep out, leaving the ball for Amaury Morales to tap in for the 0-2 lead.
The youngster responded with personality in an unusual position for him, covering the right flank after the departure of Jorge Sánchez.
In the second half the script did not change.
Cruz Azul maintained control and sealed the match in the 65th minute.
This was after a collective play involving Jeremy Márquez and Gabriel Fernández, who assisted Agustín Palavecino for the third goal with an accurate shot at the near post.
After the 0-3 deficit, Vancouver tried to react mainly from set pieces.
But he came up against a solid Emmanuel Ochoa, who made his official debut with the first team and responded with two key saves.
Even a play that looked like a penalty was disallowed after a VAR review.
Victory with a positive balance
From the start, La Máquina was clearly superior
QuéOnnda.com
The only note of concern for Cruz Azul was Gabriel Fernandez’s exit in stoppage time after a hard tackle.
The Uruguayan striker left the field with visible discomfort.
The technical staff will be attentive to his evolution in view of the following commitments.
The match also had other positive aspects:
The debut of the young Diego Valdez, barely 20 years old, and the confirmation of Amaury Morales as a reliable option at the back.
With this victory, Cruz Azul will travel to Mexico with a comfortable lead and the obligation to manage the result in the return leg.
Vancouver, meanwhile, will need an upset to turn the tie around.
For Hispanic fans in the United States, this victory reaffirms Cruz Azul’s weight in international tournaments and its real aspiration to fight for the CONCACAF title.
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