Club: Club Deportivo, Social y Cultural Cruz Azul
Founded: 1927
City: Mexico City
Stadium: Estadio Azul
Manager: Enrique Meza
Qualification method: Mexican Apertura runner-up
Previous Champions League appearances: (2) 2008-09, 2009-10
Honors: Mexican league - 8 (1968-69, 1970, 1971-72, 1972-73, 1973-74, 1978-79, 1979-80, 1997); Copa Mexico - 2 (1968-69, 1996-97); CONCACAF Champions Cup - 5 (1969, 1970, 1971, 1996, 1997)
Official Web site: http://www.cruz-azul.com.mx

Cruz Azul is making its third appearance in the CONCACAF Champions League, reaching the finals in each of its first two trips, losing to Mexican rivals Atlante and Pachuca. It was the latest in a string of frustration, with May's loss in the second leg of the final making it five straight times Cruz Azul has reached a final only to fall. After playing at Estadio Azteca, Cruz Azul moved into 35,000-seat Estadio Azul in 1996. One of the most successful clubs in Mexico, Los Cementeros has won eight league championships, fourth behind Guadalajara (11), Toluca (10) and Club America (10). Cruz Azul is also the only CONCACAF team to reach the Copa Libertadores final, losing on penalties to Argentine giants Boca Juniors in 2001. Cruz Azul dominated the 1970s, winning the league tournament six times, four under manager Raul Cardenas, earning the nickname La Maquina Celeste, which remains today. Cruz Azul won its eighth title in 1997 on a last-minute penalty kick by former Mexican great Carlos Hermosillo. It is the only club in Mexico to play in 16 finals, winning half. Coached by Enrique Meza, Cruz Azul is led by Mexican veteran midfielder Gerardo Torrado, Mexican international Fausto Pinto and Argentine striker Emanuel Villa.