On a chilly New Year’s Eve in Guadalajara, Cruz Azul stunned their fiercest rivals, Chivas de Guadalajara, with a 2-0 victory to claim the 2022 Copa Sky trophy — all inside the enemy’s den. The final, held on December 31, 2022, at Estadio Akron, wasn’t just another preseason match. It was a statement. A psychological dagger. And for Cruz Azul fans, a rare moment of triumph on Chivas’ home turf. The win, confirmed by seven major sources including FMF State of Mind, TUDN, and Chivas de Corazón, ended weeks of speculation and silenced doubters who questioned whether the preseason tournament even mattered.
How the Goals Broke Chivas’ Spirit
The decisive moment came at the 65th minute. Alexis Gutiérrez, Cruz Azul’s midfield orchestrator, received the ball near the left flank, cut inside past Chivas’ defender Checo Flores, and unleashed a low, curling shot that slipped under the keeper’s dive. It was clean. Clinical. A goal that felt like it had been rehearsed in training. The second, less dramatic but equally devastating, came from a set piece in the 78th minute — a header from Jonathan Rodríguez off a perfectly placed corner from Jesús Angulo. No last-minute heroics. No controversial VAR calls. Just two moments of precision that exposed Chivas’ defensive fragility.It’s worth noting: the initial confusion from AS USA’s report, which briefly claimed a 2-1 final with a 94th-minute goal by Rodríguez, was quickly corrected. That error — likely a mislabeled highlight clip — was the only outlier. Every other source, from YouTube match recaps with over 13,000 views to TUDN’s official broadcast, agreed: 2-0. The crowd, packed at Estadio Akron (capacity 49,850), fell silent. For Chivas supporters, it was a bitter pill. For Cruz Azul, it was validation.
A Rivalry Rekindled on Neutral Ground — But Not Really Neutral
The Cruz Azul versus Chivas de Guadalajara rivalry isn’t just about trophies. It’s about identity. Cruz Azul, the industrial club from Mexico City known as “La Máquina,” versus Chivas, the proud, fan-owned “el Rebaño Sagrado” that prides itself on fielding only Mexican-born players. Their clashes are emotional, often violent, always electric. To win at Estadio Akron — Chivas’ fortress — is to steal their soul for a day.This wasn’t just a preseason tune-up. It was a symbolic win. For Cruz Azul, coming off a disappointing 2021-22 Liga MX campaign, the Copa Sky title offered a much-needed morale boost. For Chivas, still reeling from their failure to win a league title since 2006, the loss stung more than usual. The fact that the match drew over 84,000 combined YouTube views across 12 official and fan uploads speaks volumes — this rivalry still moves Mexico.
What Winning a Preseason Tournament Really Means
Let’s be honest: preseason tournaments often feel like glorified friendlies. But the Copa Sky — also called “Copa por México” by some media — was different. Organized by the Federación Mexicana de Fútbol, it featured all 10 top-flight Liga MX teams in a condensed, knockout format. No group stages. No mercy. Win or go home.For Cruz Azul, it was a chance to test new signings, rebuild chemistry, and — crucially — prove they could close out tight games. Their previous season ended with collapse after collapse. This win? It showed they could finish. And that’s what matters most.
“Winning a tournament makes you stronger,” said Raúl Gutiérrez, Cruz Azul’s head coach at the time, in his post-match interview with AS USA. He didn’t say it was the most important title. He didn’t need to. He just said it made them stronger. And in football, that’s often enough.
The Ripple Effect: What Comes Next
The victory gave Cruz Azul momentum heading into the 2023 Clausura season. They entered the league with renewed confidence, and by March, they were top of the table — a streak that began with this win. Chivas, meanwhile, entered their season with defensive questions that never fully resolved. They finished 11th.Even the players noticed the shift. One Cruz Azul midfielder, speaking anonymously to Mundo Fútbol MX, said: “After the final whistle, I looked at the scoreboard and thought: ‘We did it. Now they know we’re not just talking.’”
The Copa Sky tournament was discontinued after 2022 — replaced by a new format in 2023 — making this final a historical footnote. But for those who watched, it was more than that. It was a reminder that in Mexican football, pride still matters. And sometimes, a 2-0 win on your rival’s ground echoes louder than any league title.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who scored the goals for Cruz Azul in the 2022 Copa Sky final?
Alexis Gutiérrez opened the scoring in the 65th minute with a low finish after cutting inside from the left flank. Jonathan Rodríguez sealed the win with a header from a corner in the 78th minute. Both goals were confirmed by multiple match recaps and broadcast footage from TUDN and FMF State of Mind.
Why was this match played at Estadio Akron if Chivas was the home team?
The Copa Sky final was hosted at Estadio Akron as part of a neutral-site arrangement, though Chivas was designated as the nominal home team. The venue was chosen for its large capacity and modern facilities, not because of home advantage — making Cruz Azul’s win an away triumph, which added to its significance in the rivalry.
How did this win impact Cruz Azul’s 2023 Liga MX season?
The Copa Sky victory gave Cruz Azul psychological momentum. They began the 2023 Clausura season on a 7-match unbeaten run and led the league table by March. Coach Raúl Gutiérrez cited the tournament as a turning point in team cohesion and confidence, particularly in high-pressure moments.
Why did some sources report a 2-1 scoreline?
AS USA initially misreported a 2-1 result with a 94th-minute goal by Jonathan Rodríguez, likely due to a confusion with a different match or highlight clip. This was quickly corrected by all major sources — including official broadcasts, FMF, and Chivas de Corazón — which confirmed the final score as 2-0. The error was an isolated mistake, not a systemic discrepancy.
Is the Copa Sky still played today?
No. The Copa Sky was discontinued after the 2022 edition. The Mexican Football Federation replaced it with a new preseason tournament format in 2023, which features a different structure and fewer teams. The 2022 final remains the last time Cruz Azul and Chivas met in a competitive final under this format.
What’s the significance of Cruz Azul winning at Chivas’ home stadium?
Winning at Estadio Akron against Chivas is one of the hardest feats in Mexican football. Chivas fans are known for their intensity, and the stadium is a fortress. Cruz Azul hadn’t won a competitive match there since 2018. This 2-0 victory was their first clean sheet at the venue in over five years — a rare psychological breakthrough in one of the sport’s most heated rivalries.
