CF Pachuca win CONCACAF Champions Cup final against Crew

Salomon Rondon leads CF Pachuca to a 3-0 win over Columbus Crew in CONCACAF final. Pachuca advances to 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

In a thrilling final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, CF Pachuca emerged victorious with a 3-0 win over the Columbus Crew, thanks to a stellar performance by Salomon Rondon. Rondon's goals in the 12th and 67th minutes, along with a goal from Miguel Rodriguez in the 32nd minute, secured the win for Pachuca against the reigning MLS Cup champions.

With this victory, Pachuca has earned a spot in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, where they will face top teams like Manchester City, Chelsea, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Inter Milan. Additionally, they have also qualified for the 2024 FIFA Intercontinental Cup.

This win marks Pachuca's sixth victory in the final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, showcasing their dominance in the tournament over the years. The Crew, on the other hand, put up a strong fight throughout the tournament, defeating two Mexican sides to reach the final.

Despite a promising start by the Crew, with Diego Rossi forcing an early save, Pachuca took control of the game with Rondon's opening goal. A disallowed goal by Idrissi only fueled Pachuca's determination, leading to Rodriguez's goal and Rondon's second-half clincher.

Although the Crew made attempts to stage a comeback, with shots from Hernandez and Russell-Rowe hitting the post, Pachuca's solid defense and clinical finishing proved too much to overcome. The victory cements Pachuca's status as a powerhouse in the CONCACAF region and sets the stage for their upcoming international competitions.