For those who haven’t watched the CONCACAF Champions League tournament yet, this could be a great week to start.
The tournament, whose winner earns a decisive berth to next year’s FIFA Club World Cup, has now progressed to the Round of 16 and features three notable fixtures, two of which are between clubs from Major League Soccer. It is a match against.
But first…
What exactly is the CONCACAF Champions League?
The tournament pits champions from various tournaments under the CONCACAF federation against each other for the winner-take-all prize of becoming the best club in North, Central America and the Caribbean. In addition to just bragging rights, the winner also earns a spot in the larger FIFA Club World Cup, which will feature the best players from federations around the world.
Short answer: This is essentially the UEFA Champions League, but for the Americas and neighboring island nations.
Aside from that explanation, I’d like to introduce some matches that even the average fan can enjoy.
Inter Miami vs. Nashville
Wednesday, 8:15pm ET (FS2)
Of course, you should watch this video to learn about Messi, but that’s not all. Inter Miami and Nashville are currently facing each other in this tournament, tied 2-2 on aggregate after the first leg, with Miami holding a slight advantage thanks to away goals. Messi will be a big boost as he returns from a foot injury for Sunday’s MLS game against Montreal. However, as of Wednesday afternoon, Miami coach Tata Martino had not said anything about Messi’s condition. Miami is currently in first place in MLS’s Eastern Conference. Nashville? They are in 10th place in MLS with three ties.
Club America vs Guadalajara
Wednesdays, 10:30pm ET (Fubo TV)
The best Liga MX for real prizes. The match is scheduled to kick off inside the iconic Azteca Stadium. Guadalajara will likely have a bit of a push in Game 2 given that America leads the series 3-0, but Guadalajara has one loss and one tie in their last games. They hope to erase their winning streak with one win and one loss. Win the last 5 games. Club America has won four consecutive games in all competitions with a goal difference of 11-3.
Monterrey vs Cincinnati
Thursday, 10:15pm ET (FS2)
This game may say more about Cincinnati than it does about Monterrey. Cincy heads to Mexico and beats a team from Monterrey, currently the class of Liga MX that many believe will be crowned champions, by a total of one goal. Cincy could have forced a red card in their first encounter, so Monterrey had to shuffle around a bit beforehand. Cincy also has a record of 3 wins, 1 loss, and 1 draw in all competitions in their last five games despite sitting in seventh place in MLS’s Eastern Conference.
