Manuel arrived at Willoughby stadium wrapped in the Mexican flag, wearing it like a cape.
Originally from Tabasco, Mexico, the Vancouver resident made the trip to Langley Wednesday night to cheer on Cruz Azul, who were being hosted by Vancouver FC as part of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup.
“I like my team, I like my country – vamos [go] Cruz Azul,” Manuel smiled.
Luis Ramirez and some buddies from Vancouver, Washington, made the trip across the border to see the game.
Ramirez was wearing a stuffed bunny rabbit on his head.
“It’s one of the mascots,” he explained.
Fans of both teams packed the stadium to capacity for the match, and chanted, sang, waved flags and cheered or booed depending on the moment.
It was near-ideal weather, clear and cool, but not freezing with the only hint of winter a fog bank that rolled in as the game progressed.
Crus Azul fans had plenty to cheer about, as the powerhouse Mexican team scored twice in the first half and once in the second to win 3-0.
Vancouver FC will next travel to Mexico for their second match against Crz Azul on Thursday, Feb. 12.
Fans of both teams packed Willoughby stadium in Langley to watch Vancouver FC play Mexican powerhouse Cruz Azul. pic.twitter.com/jTSSbKTvNG
— Langley Advance Times (@LangleyTimes) February 5, 2026
“I think it was a good showcase for us, playing against one of the top teams in North America, if not the top team,” said Vancouver FC head coach Martin Nash. “And I thought we fought, we put our best foot forward.”
Vancouver FC and Cruz Azul are among 27 teams competing in the Concacaf (Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football) Champions Cup, which Cruz Azul won last year.
Eagles earned their place by competing in the 2025 Canadian Championship final against Vancouver Whitecaps FC.
As runners-up, Vancouver FC’s qualification depended on the Whitecaps’ path through MLS Cup and the Canadian Championship. Once their rivals secured their own berth, the final qualification spot officially opened, granting VFC its first-ever entry into the tournament.
Cruz Azul is a powerhouse of Mexican football, with a record-setting seven Concacaf Champions Cup titles. Their most recent triumph was last year’s 5–0 win over Vancouver Whitecaps FC in Mexico City.