Chaco Giménez on Pumas - Cruz Azul Liga MX final: “Efraín Juárez has shut us all up”

The 2026 Liga MX Clausura final looks set to be a classic. Two teams with two distinct styles, two established projects, and a rivalry that promises an intense series: Pumas UNAM and Cruz Azul are ready for battle.

In the lead-up to the title match, Cruz Azul icon Christian “Chaco” Giménez spoke with AS about the current form of both clubs and highlighted the work done by their coaches, as well as the sporting evolution that has them competing for the championship once again. The former Cruz Azul midfielder praised both Pumas and Cruz Azul and pointed out that this week’s championship series looks perfectly balanced as a result.

“For me, those two teams, along with Chivas and Pachuca, who were in the semifinals, were the ones playing the best. Cruz Azul has found a balance, which is quite important,” Giménez said.

He went on to praise Pumas coach Efraín Juárez’s ability to respond to criticism and consolidate a competitive footballing idea. He said: “Efraín has shut us all up.”

“Pumas is a team where the coach deserves a lot of credit, because I think he has a maximum of 11 or 12 players, which makes it difficult with so many consecutive matches. It’s difficult to make decisions, or it’s difficult not to make decisions, because I think he has found his starting eleven. But if something happens to a starter, it’s difficult. He has a lot of young players on the bench, and I’m not saying they’re doing badly, but I think what he’s done [as a coach] is very commendable.”

In the case of Cruz Azul, Giménez highlighted the change in style and morale that the team has exhibited in recent weeks. Again, he saves the praise for the coaching staff and for the growth of several key players.

“And I like what Cruz Azul is doing. I like that it’s a team with an attacking profile, but at the same time a bit more balanced. I also really like the level that some of their key players have raised. And I think that has a lot to do with what happened with Joel [Huiqui, head coach], what happened with Nico [Larcamón, former head coach]. I think that change has greatly benefited many players but I want to say that, for me, Larcamón is a very good coach and I think he did a great job,” he said.

“Joel has found the right formula, perhaps through his management, he’s found the solution for the team. He’s made decisions, as he said at the beginning.He’s made important decisions, in the case of [Carlos] Rotondi, playing him a little further forward, partnering him with Campos. At times Jeremy [Márquez] wasn’t playing with him and now he’s put him at right wing-back. So he’s made decisions, and I think those decisions have allowed the players to believe in him,” he explained.

Finally, Giménez avoided naming a clear favorite to win the Clausura 2026 title, although he acknowledged the strengths of La Máquina: “Through coaching and believing in your coach, I think that today Cruz Azul is in a final where it’s difficult to say who the favorite is. The series is very even, because I also respect Pumas a lot, but Cruz Azul is a very balanced team,” he concluded.

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