Cruz Azul, once again a powder keg

After another elimination by América in the semifinals of the 2025 Clausura Tournament, the Cruz Azul stadium is experiencing critical hours.

Although rumors spread about his and his physical trainer Rubens Valenzuela's presence in the CONCACAF Champions Cup final against the Vancouver Whitecaps on June 1, both denied this information on social media and asserted their commitment to the goal.

Cruz Azul physical trainer Rubens Valenzuela's contract expires on May 31, 2025, while Vicente Sánchez's contract runs until December of the same year. This has prompted the Uruguayan's coaching staff member to seek a renewal before the final against Vancouver, scheduled for June 1.

According to ESPN, the club believes his style is not ideal and is seeking an urgent change. The board criticizes the limited use of the analytical technology provided by the club to measure and improve player performance, as well as a methodology they consider outdated, which they believe is not appropriate for the Machine's aspirations.

However, Vicente Sánchez remains in charge of the team's training, as they prepare to face Vancouver with the goal of winning the CONCACAF Cup and qualifying Cruz Azul for the next Club World Cup, although the result would not affect the decision regarding the coaching change.

Three possible replacements are already on the table: Matías Almeyda, Guillermo Almada, and Gabriel Milito. The new manager of the club would emerge from among them.

Arbitration confirmed

The Refereeing Committee announced the selections for the first leg of the 2025 Clausura final between América and Toluca at the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium.

The central referee will be Daniel Quintero Huitrón, who will be accompanied by Marco Antonio Bisguerra as assistant one and Jorge Antonio Sánchez as assistant two, the fourth official will be Adonai Escobedo.

The VAR booth at the Mexican Football Federation facilities will be operated by Erick Yair Miranda.

This will be Quintero's second match in this playoff. His first was in the second leg of the quarterfinals between América and Pachuca, which ended 2-0.