Mexican club Pachuca secured their sixth CONCACAF Champions Cup title on Saturday with a dominant 3-0 victory over Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew at Estadio Hidalgo. Veteran striker Salomon Rondon played a pivotal role, scoring twice and assisting a goal by Miguel Rodriguez to seal the comprehensive win.

Columbus, who had a stellar campaign leading to the final by defeating Mexican powerhouses UANL Tigres and Monterrey, entered the match with confidence. However, they were quickly overwhelmed by Pachuca's aggressive start. The opening goal came just 12 minutes into the game when Rondon broke through the Columbus defense and elegantly chipped the ball over goalkeeper Patrick Schulte.

Pachuca initially thought they had doubled their lead moments later when Oussama Idrissi finished a well-orchestrated move, but the goal was disallowed after VAR review revealed a foul in the buildup.

Despite the setback, Pachuca continued to dominate. Just after the 30-minute mark, Rodriguez made it 2-0, converting a precise cross from Erick Sanchez with a powerful finish.

Columbus had prepared for the high-altitude conditions of Estadio Hidalgo, situated 7,959 feet above sea level, by using altitude tents and elevation training masks. However, these preparations appeared ineffective as Pachuca controlled the game, creating numerous scoring opportunities.

In the second half, Columbus goalkeeper Schulte made several key saves to keep his team in the game, but Pachuca's relentless pressure eventually paid off. In the 67th minute, Rondon added his second goal, finishing off a play initiated by Idrissi from the left flank, cementing Pachuca's 3-0 lead.

Columbus struggled to mount a comeback and were unable to threaten Pachuca's advantage. The victory not only highlights Pachuca's excellence but also underscores Mexican dominance in the tournament, with Mexican clubs having won 18 of the last 19 editions of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Pachuca's triumph also secures the final CONCACAF qualifying spot for the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in the United States next year.