Title Droughts and Greatness: The Pumas and Cruz Azul Parallel
Both institutions have faced difficult title droughts in recent years within Mexican football, shaping their current competitive paths.
Beyond their shared city and intense rivalry, Pumas and Cruz Azul share a history of title droughts that have tested their fans. While Pumas is currently in the midst of a challenging period, Cruz Azul has experienced similar struggles in recent history, though they have since emerged as a more consistent force in the league.
Pumas has been without a league title for 15 years. Despite coming agonizingly close on three separate occasions—in 2015 against Tigres, 2020 against León, and most recently against Cruz Azul—the trophy has remained elusive. This drought has sparked internal and external debate regarding the club's status as a true giant of Mexican football.
Cruz Azul’s own history serves as a blueprint for recovery. After winning their eighth league title in 1997, they endured a 23-year wait until 2021 to secure their ninth star. During that time, they faced long stretches of frustration, managing only a Copa MX win in 2013 to briefly break the silence. Today, Cruz Azul operates with a more solid project and currently holds the status of league champions.
The upcoming match in the Apertura 2026 tournament marks a significant emotional reunion. It is the first time these teams meet since the final at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where Cruz Azul defeated Pumas on their home turf. For both clubs, winning remains the ultimate balm to reconnect with their supporters and validate their historical greatness.