When you listen to Carlos Rodriguez and Erik Lira, the word that crops up all the time is pride, whether talking about playing for Cruz Azul or representing Mexico at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup 2025™.
The Liga MX side romped to a 5-0 victory against the Vancouver Whitecaps to win the Concacaf Champions Cup for the first time since 2013-14 to earn a date in Doha against Flamengo, who were crowned Copa Libertadores champions and lifted the Brazilian championship in the space of a few days.
Just hours before their Derby of the Americas showdown against the South American giants, Cruz Azul’s midfield duo shared with FIFA what it means to them to be part of the club’s campaign in Qatar.
Cruz Azul and Flamengo squads
“We’re absolutely over the moon and honoured to represent Mexico with this club,” said Rodriguez. “We’re chomping at the bit and can’t wait for the game.”
Lira, three years Rodriguez’s junior and an equally important figure in the middle of the park for La Maquina, reiterated that sentiment. “I’m absolutely thrilled to be here. It’s my first time in Qatar, and I’m so happy to be here. I’m really impressed by the city, the warm welcome we received, and can’t wait to represent Mexico and Cruz Azul.”
Facing red-hot Flamengo
Cruz Azul’s Brazilian opponent are firing on all cylinders with Filipe Luis at the helm. The coach is quickly making a name for himself in the dugout following a hugely successful playing career. Consequently, Cruz Azul, who made light work of Seattle Sounders, Club America, and Tigres on their way to becoming Concacaf champions, know they will have to give it their all to secure their place against Pyramids FC on Saturday 13 December in the FIFA Challenger Cup, while keeping their focus on the potential final against Paris Saint-Germain on 17 December.
First things first though, Cruz Azul know that they have to beat Flamengo. “We’re aware of the quality they possess, that they’re enjoying a purple patch, and that they’ve also been crowned league champions,” said Rodriguez. “It’s going to be an incredibly tough match. I think we’ve got what it takes to compete with them and cause them lots of problems. Let’s hope we can show what we’re made of on the pitch.”
Lira echoed his team-mate, saying that Cruz Azul cannot be foiled by mistakes if they are to topple the Copa Libertadores champions.
“They’re a top-class side with players not only from Brazil but from all corners of the globe,” he said. “We’ll have to be on top of our game. It’s 11 against 11 out there on the pitch, and we’ll give it everything we’ve got to emerge victorious and represent Cruz Azul and Mexico with pride.”
Cruz Azul’s form
Cruz Azul come into this match on the back of an elimination to Tigres in the Liga MX play-off semi-finals. Despite both legs ending 1-1, Tigres made it through to the final thanks to their higher finish in the league. Head coach Nicolas Larcamon’s men are keen to put that disappointment behind them and make a strong run in the Intercontinental Cup.
“Cruz Azul is more than just a football team; it’s a club steeped in history,” said Lira. “Hardworking people who never give up and are always there through thick and thin. The supporters deserve a mention too. They turn out in their numbers and make plenty of noise off the pitch. We always strive to reflect that in the way we play. Those of us who get the opportunity to don this shirt are incredibly lucky. It’s wonderful. And it carries a lot of responsibility.”
Rodriguez agreed fully, noting that Cruz Azul’s cohesion can be the key to seeing them through. “We’re an extremely tight-knit group. We’re like a big family, striving to succeed and reach our full potential. That’s what we’re here to do.”
No matter what happens, Flamengo are sure to encounter a Cruz Azul side that approaches each obstacle with bravery and passion. “We try to stay true to that Cruz Azul identity, always striving to keep going and show courage,” said Lira. “No matter who we’re up against, we try to be brave and give it our absolute all. Both on and off the pitch. And that speaks volumes about us. We always try to give 100 per cent, and that has led to a string of positive results for us.”
It is not lost on Cruz Azul that fellow Mexican side Pachuca reached last year’s Intercontinental Cup final, ultimately falling to Real Madrid. The Cruz Azul players looked upon that accomplishment with admiration, and have the motivation themselves to go higher.
“It’s an honour to be here and to be competing for these trophies,” said Rodriguez. “We’re up against the top teams from every region, and it’s a hugely proud moment for us as a club and as a player. It’s truly amazing.”
“The sky really is the limit for us,” concluded Lira.
