Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 Recap

Cruz Azul 6-1 Portmore United

Liga MX side Cruz Azul went into the second leg with a huge advantage following their 2-1 win in Jamaica. Unlike the reverse fixture, which was decided by two very late goals, Cruz Azul comfortably booked their place in the quarterfinals with the 4-0 victory in front of the home support. The result was never in doubt as the Mexican side dominated with Portmore United failing to register a single shot on goal compared to fifteen from the home side.

Atlanta United 4-1 Motagua

The away goal Atlanta took from the 1-1 draw in the first leg wasn’t needed as the Five Stripes eased past the Hondurans and into the next round. In front of a packed house at Fifth Third Bank Stadium, Atlanta won 3-0 with Pity and Josef Martinez linking on each goal. Atlanta will face Club América once again who they defeated 3-2 in last year’s Campeones Cup final.

LAFC 3-2 León

The first Liga MX vs MLS clash of this year’s tournament was a tale of two legs. After León took care of business in the 2-0 victory in Mexico, LAFC looked to turn the tie around at Banc of California Stadium. LAFC had great opportunities early on but wouldn’t capitalize until the 27th minute through reigning MLS MVP Carlos Vela. Two more goals in the second half, another by Carlos Vela in the 77th minute and the winner two minutes later from Diego Rossi, saw LAFC knockout the Mexican side 3-2 on aggregate. LAFC advance to the quarterfinals where they will meet another Liga MX side in Cruz Azul.

Montreal Impact (a) 2-2 Deportivo Saprissa

The 2-2 draw in Costa Rica saw Montreal take two away goals to Canada, which would prove significant in the tie. The fixture would end as it started at 0-0 with Montreal advancing on those vital away goals. The Canadian champions will face Olimpia in the next round, the last Central American side left in the tournament.

Tigres UANL 5-4 Alianza

Alianza, who were on the verge of a massive upset, saw a late goal from goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán crush their dreams of advancing past the Liga MX giants. Five goals were scored in the first half as the home side lead 3-0 before the Salvadorans scored twice. A 3-2 result would have seen Alianza advance on away goals but it wasn’t to be after the final goal deep into added time saw Tigres go through 5-4 on aggregate. The competition will have another Liga MX vs MLS tie as Tigres faces NYCFC.

Club América (a) 1-1 Comunicaniones

This fixture did not disappoint as Comunicaniones looked to upset Liga MX leaders Club América. The 1-1 draw in the first leg set up an exciting matchup at the Estadio Azteca. The Guatemalan side took the lead through a penalty in the 62nd before receiving a red card and going down to 10 men six minutes later. Another penalty would see the home side equalize at 1-1 sending the match into a penalty shootout. The Mexican side would convert each of their penalties and advance to face Atlanta in the quarterfinals.

NYCFC 6-3 San Carlos

NYCFC entered the game with a comfortable lead following the 5-3 first leg victory in Costa Rica. The match played at Red Bull Arena in New Jersey didn’t match the excitement of the reverse fixture, ending 1-0 to the hosts who advanced 6-3 on aggregate. This match was always going to be an uphill battle for San Carlos but NYCFC did well to earn a clean sheet as they advance into the next round to face Tigres.

Olimpia (a) 4-4 Seattle Sounders

This clash at CenturyLink Field was full of drama as the competition saw another penalty shootout send a side to the quarterfinals. Playing at home off the back of the 2-2 draw in the first leg, Seattle had the advantage through away goals. The Honduran side would score early in the 4th minute but the home side would equalize later on in the half through Cristian Roldan. The second half would see each side score once more with Seattle taking the lead before a late goal by Carlos Pineda sent the match to the penalty shootout. Two missed penalties from Seattle would allow Olimpia to capitalize and knockout the first MLS side from the tournament. The side advances to the quarterfinals where they play yet another MLS side in the Montreal Impact.

What were your thoughts on the second leg fixtures? Is there any side you would have preferred to see advance?