CONCACAF Champions' Cup 1997
Cruz Azul captures fifth Champions' Cup title in 1997.
The 1997 CONCACAF Champions' Cup was the 33rd edition of the annual international club football competition, the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. It determined that year's club champion of the CONCACAF region (North America, Central America and the Caribbean).
Quick Facts
- Title count
- 4th CONCACAF Champions' Cup Title for Cruz Azul
Lore & Background
The teams were split into three zones (North, Central and Caribbean). The North American zone qualified three teams direct into the quarterfinals and two teams played a play-off for the fourth spot in the quarterfinals. The Central American zone played a regional tournament to get three spots in the quarterfinal. The winner of the Caribbean zone got a place in the quarterfinals. 1997 was the first year that teams from Major League Soccer took part in the Champions' Cup.
The competitors in the MLS Cup, both winner and runner-up, were each given berths in the tournament. All but two of the eight games played in the final tournament were played in Washington, D.C.. The final was won by Cruz Azul, who captured their fifth Champions' Cup title with a 5–3 victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy. At the time, Mexican goalkeeper Jorge Campos was signed to the Galaxy and Cruz Azul. The Galaxy were the first American club to reach the final of a Champions Cup or League.
Reader's Guide
The tournament began with preliminary regional playoffs. In the North American Zone, Los Angeles Galaxy advanced to the quarterfinal. In the Central American Zone, Comunicaciones, Luis Ángel Firpo and Cartaginés advanced to the quarterfinal; Cartaginés vs Alajuelense played in one leg in San José. In the Caribbean Zone, United Petrotrin advanced to the quarterfinal as winner of the CFU Club Championship final.
The quarterfinal qualified teams were: from North America – D.C. United (1996 MLS Cup winner), Los Angeles Galaxy (preliminary round winner, 1996 MLS Cup runner-up), Guadalajara (1997 Verano winner), Cruz Azul (1996 CONCACAF Champions Cup title holder); from Central America – C.S. Cartaginés, C.D. Luis Ángel Firpo, CSD Comunicaciones; from the Caribbean – United Petrotrin (1997 CFU Club Championship winner). The bracket proceeded through quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third place match (where third place was shared), and the final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who managed Cruz Azul during their 1997 continental victory?
Hugo Sánchez led the squad as manager during this successful campaign. His strategic vision helped secure the trophy and cemented his legacy with the club.
Which team did Cruz Azul defeat for the title?
The final opponent was C.D. Saprissa from Costa Rica, a formidable side in Central American football. Cruz Azul managed to overcome them to lift the trophy.
What was the final aggregate score of the championship?
The Celeste won with an aggregate score of 3-2 over the two legs of the final series. This close result underscored the intensity of the match against Saprissa.
How many CONCACAF titles did this win represent for Cruz Azul?
This victory counted as the club's third title in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup tournament. It solidified their legacy as consistent contenders on the continental stage.
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