Monterrey and Cruz Azul are set to reignite their rivalry in the Concacaf Champions Cup after a considerable break. Monterrey will host Cruz Azul at the ‘Gigante de Acero’. Cruz Azul are the current champions of this competition.
Cruz Azul’s Impressive Record
Cruz Azul secured the title in the previous edition. This season marks their fifth appearance in the round of 16. La Máquina boasts a perfect record in the last 16, having progressed in all four prior attempts. Monterrey are also participating in their fifth series at this stage, having advanced three times and been eliminated once.
Cruz Azul Arrive as Slight Favourites
Cruz Azul reached this stage without difficulty, comprehensively defeating Vancouver FC with an 8-0 aggregate score. Monterrey overcame Club Xelajú 3-1. Cruz Azul enters the series as slight favourites, owing to their strong run of form in Liga MX. Monterrey are navigating a challenging period, marked by a recent change in management and an inconsistent season.
Previous Encounters
Monterrey and Cruz Azul last clashed in 2021, with Monterrey winning 5-1 on aggregate. This series marks their first direct encounter in the round of 16.
Match Details
The first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup Round of 16 between Rayados and Cruz Azul is scheduled for 19:00 hours CDMX/21:00 hours E.T. The match will be held at Estadio BBVA. Fox One in Mexico; TUDN, Vix and Fox in the United States will broadcast the game.
Possible Lineups
- Rayados: Santiago Mele, Ricardo Chávez, Stefan Medina, Carlos Salcedo, Alonso Aceves, Luis Reyes, Jorge Rodríguez, Cristian Reyes, Jesús Corona, Lucas Ocampos, Roberto de la Rosa.
- Cruz Azul: Andrés Gudiño, Omar Campos, Amaury García, Erik Lira, Gonzalo Piovi, Rodolfo Rotondi, Carlos Rodríguez, Agustín Palavecino, Jeremy Márquez, José Paradela, Gabriel Fernández.
The series promises 180 minutes of high emotion.