SANTIAGO DE LOS CABALLEROS, Dominican Republic – Cruz Azul earned a 2-nil win against Real Hope FA in the first leg of their Round One series as the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup kicked off on Wednesday at Estadio Cibao FC in Santiago de los Caballeros, Dominican Republic.
The matchup presented a historic milestone for the competition, as Natalie Simon became the first female referee to officiate a match in Champions Cup history.
Ángel Sepulveda scored the first goal of the edition in the 38’ to give the visitors the lead, sending the ball to the back of the net with a grounded right-footed strike from just outside the box.
Cruz Azul extended their lead in the 84’ through an own goal from Jimmylson Guillaume following a corner kick delivery from Ignacio Rivero.
La Maquina’s goalkeeper, Andrés Gudiño, had a strong performance on the night, making two saves to collect his first clean sheet of the campaign.
Additionally, Cruz Azul’s attack was active throughout the 90 minutes, finishing with 19 shots and eight attempts on target.
Cruz Azul and Real Hope will meet again next Tuesday in Mexico City for the second leg. The winner, on aggregate, will secure a spot in the Round of 16.
