Concachampions 2024: Liga MX teams have edge over MLS clubs over 90 minutes

Columbus Crew eliminated the Tigres in San Nicolás de los Garza during the quarter finals in the current edition of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. It was a match that was plagued by errors and refereeing controversies, but ultimately decided from the penalty spot with the Major League Soccer side deservedly going through. Tigres. Another Mexican team bowed out from the competition, joining Toluca and Chivas. Out of the six that started, three remain: América, who are already into the semi-final, Pachuca and Rayados.

Extra-time and shootouts

It’s interesting to note what happened at the Volcán, because once again an MLS team was unable to beat a Liga MX side during regulation time. Tigres drew both legs 1-1 and were eliminated after the Crew won the penalty shootout 4-3 - another example of a match being decided after the full 90 minutes had been played. That’s not to take anything away from Columbus Crew, who will face the winner of the quarter final between Inter Miami and Monterrey next. But it highlights how close the games between American and Mexican teams have been during the tournament. None of the Liga MX participants’ rivals, whether American or Canadian, have beaten Mexico’s team within the 90 minutes.

América beat New England Revolution 2-9 on aggregate to secure their place in the semis and tonight, Monterrey will be aiming to follow them. Rayados hold a 1-2 advantage Inter Miami, who have Lionel Messi back from injury. The chances of the first defeat of a Mexican team to an MLS one, within 90 minutes, in this tournament remains high.

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The challenge ahead for Miami or Monterrey

Looking at the other side of the bracket, there is a high probability there will be an all-Mexican semi-final which implies that, barring a massive upset, it is practically guaranteed that there will be a Liga MX side in the final. América will meet the winners of the quarter final between Pachuca and Herediano.

The Tuzos are the tournaments top scorers, averaging 3.7 goals per game. They won the first leg 0-5 and head into tonight’s return at Estadio Hidalgo as favorites to book their place in the next round.