A war of words is already brewing before the title series, with old tensions between the clubs adding even more fuel.

OSVALDO AGUILAR
Liga MX

Carlos Hermosillo issues warning to Pumas: “We’re going to take the trophy from them in their own stadium and then say: thank you”

Cruz Azul secured its place in the Liga MX final after eliminating Chivas in an intense and emotional playoff series. Joel Huiqui’s side will now chase the championship against Pumas in a matchup already overflowing with tension before a ball has even been kicked.

The decisive series will be played with the iconic Estadio Olímpico Universitario serving as the main stage, a venue recently at the center of a bitter dispute between the two clubs.

Hermosillo turns up the heat before the final

During FOX Sports’ La Última Palabra program, legendary Cruz Azul striker Carlos Hermosillo ignited controversy with comments that quickly spread across Mexican soccer.

“We’re going to take the trophy from them in their own stadium and then say: thank you,” the former Cruz Azul forward said.

The remarks immediately intensified anticipation around a final already loaded with history and resentment between the two institutions.

The Ciudad Universitaria conflict added fuel to the rivalry

Tensions between the front offices escalated after Pumas refused to extend Cruz Azul’s rental agreement for Estadio Olímpico Universitario ahead of the Clausura 2026 tournament, a decision that created major logistical problems for La Máquina.

That episode left visible friction between the clubs and added another layer of hostility to a rivalry that now reaches the championship stage.

Cruz Azul enjoyed major success at CU

While using Olímpico Universitario as its temporary home, Cruz Azul produced one of its best stretches in recent years. The team went unbeaten in 28 consecutive games there and also captured a Concacaf title during that period.

According to reports around the club, that level of success inside Pumas’ stadium was not particularly well received within the university side’s environment.

With recent disputes, provocative comments and the Liga MX title on the line, the final between Pumas and Cruz Azul is shaping up to be one of the fiercest and most talked-about championship series Mexican soccer has seen in years.

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