Club de Fútbol Cruz Azul, commonly known as Cruz Azul, was founded on March 22, 1927, in Jasso, Hidalgo, by workers of the cement company Cemento Cruz Azul. Initially, the team was part of a social and sports club, focusing on athletics before delving into football. Between 1932 and 1943, Cruz Azul achieved remarkable success in the amateur league of Hidalgo, securing 15 consecutive league titles. This success laid the foundation for the club’s future in professional football.
Cruz Azul Information
Full name: Club de Fútbol Cruz Azul
Nickname(s): La Máquina, Los Celestes, El Azul, Los Cementeros
Founded: 22 May 1927
League: Liga MX
Stadium: Estadio Azteca
International Achievements: First CONCACAF club to win the Continental Treble
How to Watch Cruz Azul Matches Online
Cruz Azul matches and most Liga MX can be seen across the following networks: Fox Deportes, Univision, UniMas, NBC Universo, Telemundo and TUDN.
You can get all of these channels with a subscription to Fubo: Watch Chivas and Liga MX with a free trial today!
Rise to Prominence
Cruz Azul’s journey to professional status began in earnest in the 1960s. The club was officially registered to participate in Mexico’s second-tier professional league during the 1961-62 season. Their hard work paid off, and they were promoted to the Primera División in the 1963-64 season. The late 1960s and early 1970s marked the beginning of Cruz Azul’s golden era under the legendary coach Raúl Cárdenas. The club won its first Primera División title in the 1968-69 season, followed by back-to-back championships in 1971-72 and 1972-73.
Dominance in Mexican Football
Cruz Azul’s dominance in Mexican football was most evident during the 1970s. Under Raúl Cárdenas, the club won five league titles, three CONCACAF Champions’ Cup titles, one Copa México, and two Campeón de Campeones titles. This period established Cruz Azul as a powerhouse in Mexican football. The club continued to find success in the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup, lifting the trophy six times (1969, 1970, 1971, 1996, 1997, and 2014).
Who Are Cruz Azul’s Greatest Players?
Cruz Azul has been home to many legendary players who have significantly contributed to the club’s success. Some of the most notable include:
- Miguel Marín: A legendary goalkeeper known for his acrobatic saves and leadership.
- Carlos Hermosillo: A prolific striker who scored 169 goals for the club.
- Óscar Pérez: A long-serving goalkeeper with over 400 appearances.
- Gerardo Torrado: A tenacious midfielder who captained the team for many years.
- Christian Giménez: A creative midfielder who was instrumental in the club’s success in the 2010s.
Where Does Cruz Azul Play Their Home Games?
Cruz Azul plays its home games at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. The stadium, with a capacity of 87,523, is the largest in Latin America and the eighth-largest soccer stadium in the world. Estadio Azteca has hosted two FIFA World Cup Finals and is known for its electrifying atmosphere. It is also the home of Club América and the Mexico national football team.
Stream Cruz Azul Live on Fubo: Watch Chivas and Liga MX with a free trial today!
Notable Seasons
Cruz Azul has had many successful seasons throughout its history. Some of the most notable include:
- 1968-69 Season: Winning their first Primera División title.
- 1971-72 and 1972-73 Seasons: Securing back-to-back league championships.
- 1996-97 Season: Winning the league title and the CONCACAF Champions’ Cup.
- Guardianes 2021: Ending a 24-year title drought by winning the league championship.
Upcoming 2024-2025 Season Schedule
Cruz Azul’s schedule for the Apertura 2024 season includes:
July 2024
- July 6: vs León (Home)
- July 12: at Necaxa (Away)
- July 16: vs Querétaro (Home)
- July 20: at Pumas UNAM (Away)
August 2024
- August 24: vs Toluca (Home)
- August 31: at Guadalajara (Away) – Clásico Joven
September 2024
- September 14: vs Tigres UANL (Home)
- September 18: at Atlético San Luis (Away)
- September 21: vs América (Home) – Clásico Joven
- September 28: at Santos Laguna (Away)
October 2024
- October 5: vs Monterrey (Home)
- October 19: at Puebla (Away)
- October 22: vs FC Juárez (Home)
- October 25: at Tijuana (Away)
November 2024
- November 2: vs Mazatlán FC (Home)
- November 5: at Atlas (Away)
- November 9: vs Pachuca (Home)
This schedule showcases Cruz Azul’s participation in Liga MX, which is the primary focus of their season. The team will also compete in other tournaments, including the CONCACAF Champions Cup, though specific dates for these matches are not yet available.
Club de Fútbol Cruz Azul, with its rich history and numerous achievements, remains one of the most successful and popular teams in Mexican football. As they prepare for the upcoming season, Cruz Azul will look to add to their impressive trophy collection and continue their legacy as one of Mexico’s greatest football institutions.