Welcome to justsports24! Today on the blog we take a look back at more of our favorite moments from the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2018. This version of the tournament provided fans with a little bit of everything, from underdog victories to exciting matchups. We go over the biggest matches, stars, and why InterLiga was a real treat for soccer lovers around these parts of North America, Central America & Caribbean.
CONCACAF Champions Cup
The CONCACAF Champions Cup or simply the Champions Cup, was an association football club competition of the North American Football Confederation. It pits the top teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean against each other, with a place in the FIFA Club World Cup up for grabs.
For the 2018 iteration, clubs were in fierce competition trying to win not only titles but also write history. These are things that this tournament excels at – frenetic, passionate football and those moments of the type written in letters indelible on our region’s soccer culture.
The Journey to the Final
Round of 16: impact & surprises
The Round of 16 was a thrilling start to the 2018 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Toronto FC emerged as one of the most dominant teams against Colorado Rapids (a Major League Soccer [MLS] side) in one such performance. The tone was set in the first leg, which went to Toronto FC 2-0 behind MVP Sebastian Giovinco. The Thai champions showcased their champion potential to counter-attack quickly and compete like a well-oiled machine in transition.
Club América v Deportivo Saprissa was another match that fans paid attention to. The Mexican giants illustrated their pedigree by easing to a 5-1 aggregate win, helped in part by goals from Oribe Peralta and Cecilio Domínguez. Before the first whistle, an early favorite was Club América thanks to their fluid attack and solid defense.
Another of the quarterfinals brought together Club América and Tauro FC from Panama. Club América cruised into the next round, defeating their competition by an aggregate score of 7-1 and getting key contributions from star players like Mateus Uribe and Henry Martín. It was a comfy victory for the Mexicans who waltzed into the semifinals of their continent’s premier competition with nary a scratch on them.
Semifinals: Battle of the Best
The semifinal was a clash of heavyweights in this competition. Toronto FC took on Club América, while Guadalajara (Chivas) met New York Red Bulls.
Toronto FC defeated Club América, 4-2 on aggregate Club América had no answer for Sebastian Giovinco and he received plenty of help from Michael Bradley and Jozy Altidore__. Toronto’s organization at the back along with lethal attacks proved plenty to move on and silence any remaining doubters.
Over on the other side, Chivas Guadalajara put in a dogged 90 minutes to defeat New York Red Bulls one-nil across two legs. The late goal in the first leg was all Chivas needed to advance, but goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota played an important role down the stretch and long made it look like keeping their razor-thin lead intact would be enough. Chivas’ semifinal triumph over the MLS side paved the way for an exhilarating final against Toronto FC.
The Grand Final: Toronto FC vs Chivas Guadalajara
Only Toronto FC and Chivas Guadalajaraplayed in the 2018 CONCACAF Champions Cup final, which was decided over two legs. This final did not only have the best of MLS against Mexico’s finest but also, in some ways; represented an on-pitch incarnation of a criticism that is growing towards becoming one that could become a rivalry.
The reverse, at Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, was even more dramatic. TFC clawed back to even the aggregate score at 3-3 on a goal from Jozy Altidore, but it went into penalties after extra time. Yet Chivas kept their cool in the penalties, taking it 4-2 after saves from goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota. This would also be Chivas Guadalajara’s fourth CONCACAF Champions Cup and further proof of the status as one of the most successful clubs in all of North American football.
Player of the Tournament efforts
Sebastian Giovinco (Toronto FC): The Italian playmaker put forth a combined goals-and-assists output that contributed to TFC landing in the final. Rodolfo Pizarro (Chivas Guadalajara): Pizzaro even scored the opening goal of the first leg final, a tribute to his creative and footballing abilities without losing sight that he is Mexican.
Rodolfo Cota (Chivas Guadalajara) The netminder saved two of his team’s three penalties in their Final second-leg shootout win.
Oribe Peralta (Club América):The striker was a menacing presence amid América’s run, with key goals in the first few rounds propelling them ever closer to another final.
In conclusion: A Week to Remember
2018 was a year filled with unforgettable moments in the CONCACAF Champions Cup starting from Toronto FC being heroic, to Chivas Guadalajara ultimately becoming champions. It was an indication that MLS teams are improving, pushing Mexican giants who throttle all comers in the Champions League scaringly well as a species toward change. The intensity, drama, and quality of the tournament were played out at such a rate that this is one World Cup — for sure- no football lover will be able to forget.
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