América and Monterrey cruise into Concachampions last 16 with ease | OneFootball

America, without much effort, and Monterrey, with more ease, advanced as Mexico's representatives to the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions League this Wednesday, after eliminating Olimpia from Honduras and Xelajú from Guatemala, respectively, at home.

At the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium in Mexico City, America and Olimpia drew 0-0 in the second leg of the group stage.

The Eagles secured their spot in the next phase thanks to a 2-1 victory the previous week in the first leg.

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In a match with few goal opportunities, America had more ball possession: 74.2% compared to Olimpia's 25.8%. Despite the qualification, America was met with boos and whistles from their fans.

"At this club, we are here to win, to score goals, and if we don't score in a match, we know we will be frustrated. This frustration is felt by the fans, the players, and the coaching staff. We are aware that we need to improve," said Brazilian André Jardine, America's coach.

America had the best chance of the match to open the scoring at 50 minutes, when Brazilian midfielder Rodrigo Dourado shot from close range, but goalkeeper Edrick Menjívar deflected the ball over the crossbar with his fingertips.

In the Round of 16, America will face the winner of the match between Trinidad and Tobago's Defense Force and the United States' Philadelphia Union.

Monterrey wins with more ease

Later, at the BBVA Stadium, Monterrey defeated Xelajú 2-0.

The Mexican team, with a more expensive squad, advanced to the Round of 16 with a 3-1 aggregate score, after securing a 1-1 draw in stoppage time against Guatemala last week.

"We couldn't reach our potential. The reality is that our opponent played better and we lost the match, as expected, but it hurts because we had high expectations," commented Mexican Roberto Hernández, Xelajú's coach.

In the second half, Iker Fimbres opened the scoring for Monterrey with a touch inside the small area, after an assist from Frenchman Anthony Martial.

Martial almost scored for the Mexican team at 55 minutes, but his left-footed shot hit the post.

Monterrey secured the qualification with a 2-0 victory, thanks to a penalty converted in the middle of the goal by Argentine winger Lucas Ocampos at 83 minutes.

Monterrey's opponent in the next phase will be decided on Thursday, in the clash where Mexico's Cruz Azul has a 3-0 advantage over Canada's Vancouver FC.

*By AFP.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.