February 2 – Guatemala’s Xelajú MC and Mexico’s Monterrey have met before in the Champions Cup.
In 2012-13 they met in the quarter-finals with Monterrey winning 3-1 over the two legs, but not before the Guatemalans had threatened to overturn the accepted hierarchy with a 1-1 draw in Monterrey.
This time round Monterrey will start as solid favourites. They five Liga MX titles as well as five Concacaf Champions League titles. They have twice finished third at the Club World Cup (2012 and 2019).
In 2020 they were only the second club to complete the treble of Liga MX, Copa MX and Concacaf Champions League.
Their run of Champions League wins included three consecutive titles in 2010-11, 2011-12 and 2012-13. They followed that up with wins in 2019 and 2021. This will be their 12th Champions Cup appearance.
It is a record and history to live up to and the Mexicans, led by Spanish head coach Domènec Torrent, have the playing staff to back it up.
Key to Monterrey’s challenge would have been top scorer Germán Berterame, but he completed a transfer to Inter Miami over the weekend.
Monterrey do have a quality replacement up front in the form of former Manchester United and France striker Anthony Martial who joined the club in September 2025.
In midfield Monterrey are driven by Spanish attacking midfielder Sergio Canales who contributes goals and assist and on the left wing they have Argentinian Lucas Ocampos.
At centre back they have the outstanding Víctor Guzmán who at just 23 has become a dominant presence and will likely be a defensive pillar for Mexico at the 2026 World Cup.
In response Xelajú manager Roberto Hernández, who was only appointed on January 1, 2026, is picking up a team built by Amarini Villatoro around a strong, disciplined defense and quick counter attacking.
Key players for Xelajú MC include striker Yilton Díaz, with midfielder Jorge Aparicio orchestrating the play in midfield, supported by Derrikson Quirós, Antonio López, and veteran Maynor de León.
Defensively, goalkeeper Rubén Darío Silva and center-back Kevin Ruiz were crucial in the Central American Cup run that saw them qualify.
Xelajú MC have a mountain to climb in their third Champions Cup appearance.
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