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Cruz Azul vs. Pumas UNAM: A Legendary Rivalry in Mexican Football

A Storied History

The rivalry between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM is one of the most storied and intense in Mexican football history. The two clubs have met over 100 times since their first encounter in 1967, with Cruz Azul holding a slight edge in the head-to-head record.

The rivalry is fueled by a number of factors, including the close proximity of the two clubs' stadiums and the large number of fans they share in Mexico City. The matches between Cruz Azul and Pumas are always highly anticipated, and they often draw large crowds.

Key Figures

The two clubs have met 108 times in all competitions, with Cruz Azul winning 45 matches, Pumas UNAM winning 32, and 31 matches ending in a draw.
Cruz Azul has scored 149 goals against Pumas UNAM, while Pumas UNAM has scored 123 goals against Cruz Azul.
The highest-scoring match between the two clubs was a 6-3 victory for Cruz Azul in 1997.
The most recent match between the two clubs was a 1-0 victory for Pumas UNAM in 2023.

Table 1: Head-to-Head Record

Competition	Cruz Azul Wins	Pumas UNAM Wins	Draws
Liga MX	35	23	27
Copa MX	5	4	3
Campeón de Campeones	1	0	0
Other	4	5	1
Total	45	32	31

Turning Points

There have been a number of key turning points in the rivalry between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM. One of the most significant was the 1971-72 season, when Cruz Azul won its first league title in over 20 years and Pumas UNAM was relegated to the second division. This victory helped to establish Cruz Azul as one of the top clubs in Mexico, and it also marked the beginning of a period of dominance for the club.

Another key turning point was the 1994-95 season, when Pumas UNAM won its first league title in over a decade and Cruz Azul was relegated to the second division. This victory helped to establish Pumas UNAM as a major force in Mexican football, and it also marked the beginning of a period of decline for Cruz Azul.

Table 2: League Championships

Club	Liga MX Titles	Copa MX Titles	Campeón de Campeones Titles
Cruz Azul	9	3	1
Pumas UNAM	7	1	1

Recent Years

In recent years, the rivalry between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM has been relatively even. Both clubs have won league titles in the past decade, and they have also both participated in the CONCACAF Champions League.

Table 3: CONCACAF Champions League Appearances

Club	Appearances	Titles
Cruz Azul	13	6
Pumas UNAM	10	3

Stories and Lessons

The rivalry between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM has produced a number of memorable stories and lessons. One of the most famous stories is the story of Carlos Hermosillo, who played for both clubs during his career. Hermosillo is one of the most prolific goalscorers in Mexican football history, and he is the only player to have scored over 100 goals for both Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM.

Another famous story is the story of Hugo Sánchez, who played for Pumas UNAM in the 1980s. Sánchez is one of the greatest Mexican footballers of all time, and he is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation. Sánchez helped Pumas UNAM win two league titles and two CONCACAF Champions League titles during his time with the club.

The rivalry between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM has taught us a number of important lessons. One lesson is that anything is possible in football. Even when one club is considered to be the underdog, it can still pull off an upset. Another lesson is that the rivalry between two clubs can be a source of great joy and passion for fans.

Tips and Tricks

If you are planning to attend a match between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM, there are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable. First, make sure to buy your tickets in advance. The tickets for these matches often sell out quickly. Second, arrive at the stadium early. This will give you time to find your seats and get a good view of the match. Third, be prepared for a loud and passionate crowd. The fans of Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM are some of the most passionate in Mexico.

Pros and Cons

There are a number of pros and cons to attending a match between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM. On the plus side, these matches are always exciting and entertaining. The atmosphere at the stadium is electric, and the fans are always passionate and supportive. On the downside, these matches can be very crowded and expensive. The tickets can be difficult to come by, and the food and drinks at the stadium are often overpriced.

Call to Action

If you are a fan of football, then you should definitely make plans to attend a match between Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM. These matches are always exciting and entertaining, and they are a great way to experience the passion of Mexican football.