Cruz Azul and Mazatlán will face off this Sunday, July 6, for the International Football Cup trophy, marking the final pre-season tournament for Cruz Azul before the Apertura 2025 kicks off. They will again meet Mazatlán next Sunday, July 13, in league play.
The match is set for 18:30 local time at the Estadio Luis Pirata Fuentes in Veracruz. Prior to the championship match, Once Caldas will take on Newells Old Boys for third place two hours earlier.
While this tournament may appear to be just another pre-season fixture with minimal stakes, it carries significant implications due to the monetary rewards being offered. According to ESPN, there will be cash prizes not only for the team that wins the tournament but also for standout players. The champions will receive $2,500, which will also be awarded to the tournament’s MVP, the top scorer, and the goalkeeper with the fewest goals conceded.
Players like Ignacio Rivero are strong contenders for both the MVP and top scorer awards, having scored the sole goal in Cruz Azul’s victory against Once Caldas. Should he replicate his performance today, he could secure these honors. Additionally, goalkeeper Andrés Gudiño, who kept a clean sheet in the match against Once Caldas, is on track to start again against Mazatlán. If he maintains a shutout, he will also claim the cash prize as the least scored goalkeeper in the tournament.
This tournament thus not only serves as a proving ground for the teams but also as a chance for players to showcase their talents and potentially earn some rewards ahead of the upcoming season. The excitement surrounding these matches highlights the competitive spirit and drive for success as the new season approaches.