March 16 – Since 2006 the Champions Cup has been won 19 times by clubs from Liga MX. The only time a non-Mexican club has won was in 2022 when Seattle Sounders took the title.
At the half-way stage of the Round of 16, the Mexican lock on the competition looks like it could be broken.
Currently only two Mexican sides lead after the first leg. Club America have a one goal advantage over Philadelphia Union for their home leg. In the all Liga MX tie Cruz Azul lead CF Monterrey by a goal.
In contrast, five MLS side lead or are favourites to go to the next round. Two of them holding leads over their Mexican rivals.
FC Cincinnati stunned Tigres UANL to win 3-0 at home, while San Diego FC staged a stunning comeback by coming from behind and a man down to beat Toluca 3-2. Both the Mexican teams have home advantage in the second legs.
In the other ties MLS are guaranteed a qualifier from the Nashville-Inter Miami clash, while LA Galaxy have a 3-0 lead over Jamaica’s Mount Pleasant.
LAFC, tournament favourites for many, still have work to do against Costa Rica’s LD Alajuense who managed a 1-1 draw at BMO stadium despite being under siege.
As it stands the MLS could comfortably find themselves with six qualifiers in the quarter finals, while Liga MX may only have two.
It would mark a significant change in the balance of power within Concacaf’s club competitions.
Champions Cup winners since 2006
Source: Wikipedia