Cruz Azul and Pumas UNAM draw 0‑0 in Liga MX Clausura 2026 final first leg amid referee controversy

The first leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 final was played at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City and ended in a 0‑0 stalemate. Pumas UNAM goalkeeper Keylor Navas was named MVP after making four critical saves that kept his side level.

Pumas coach Efraín Juárez accused Cruz Azul of repeatedly benefiting from favorable refereeing decisions throughout the tournament, citing specific incidents such as a missed handball against Atlas and a non‑penalised foul on Chivas. In response, Cruz Azul lodged a formal complaint with the league’s disciplinary commission, alleging that Juárez’s comments breached regulations and could lead to fines or suspension.

The match was broadcast live on Canal 5, TUDN and the streaming platform ViX Premium in Mexico, with additional U.S. coverage on TUDN USA, Univisión and CBS Sports Network. The teams will meet again on Sunday, 24 May, at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario for the decisive second leg.