CONCACAF Champions League | OneFootball

So WTF Is This Exactly?

The CONCACAF Champions League is, quite simply, the North & Central American edition of the UEFA Champions League. A knock-out competition between the best clubs within the confederation, with the first rounds starting early February and the final game played on June 1, 2025.

Qualification is quite Byzantine. Twenty-seven teams are selected: 18 from North America, 6 from Central America and 3 from the Caribbean. Winners of each zone’s championship, the winner of the MLS Cup and champion of La Liga get byes into the Round of 16. The remaining teams go into Round 1.

All fixtures in the competition are played in two-legs, one home and one away. Teams with the higher aggregate goals will advance, ties are resolved by the away goal rule, with extra time and penalty kicks (if needed).

Round One Results

Colorado Rapids vs. LAFC

Rapids took the first leg 2 – 1 at home, on an extremely cold night. They travel to Los Angeles on 2/25 where the weather will be more pleasant, but the crowds at BMO Stadium fired up.

Sporting Kansas City vs. Inter Miami CF

On an evening Miami’s new coach Javier Mascherano called “inhumane” due to cold temperatures (it was as low as -9F or -23C), Lionel Messi somehow found a way to deliver the goods. He produced the game’s only goal, giving them the edge when the reverse fixture travels to Fort Lauderdale on 2/25.

Saprissa vs. Vancouver Whitecaps FC

Deportivo Saprissa is in San José, Costa Rica. Whitecaps stalwart Scotsman Ryan Gauld put them up early in the first leg, but the hosts shocked them with a 95th minute winner. On Feb. 27 the ‘Caps will be fighting for their lives at BC Place.

Forge FC vs. Monterrey

Forge is from Hamilton, Ontario, and plays in the Canadian Premier League. Monterrey is one of Liga MX’s powerhouse clubs. They played their matches early in the month, with Monterrey coasting to victory 5 – 0 in aggregate. They play the winner of the Saprissa/Whitecaps fixture.

Cavalry FC vs. UNAM

The champions of the Canadian Premier League, Cavalry hosted UNAM up in Calgary and came back to win 2 – 1. UNAM responded strongly in the reverse fixture in Mexico City behind Memote’s brace, and won 3 – 2 on aggregate. They’ll face Central American zone champions Alajuelense in the Round of 16.

Cibao vs. Guadalajara

Cibao was the first club from the Dominican Republic to play in the CONCACAF Champions League back in 2017. La Bestia Naranja (as they are known) held the mighty Chivas of Guadalajara to a 1 – 1 tie in the first leg, but was soundly beaten 3 – 0 in the subsequent match. Chivas will face Club América in the Round of 16.

Real Hope vs. Cruz Azul

The fact that any club from Haiti (Real Hope plays in Cap-Haïtien) could even qualify is an achievement unto itself, given the turmoil in that nation. Real have to play their games in neighboring Dominican Republic. They were crushed by Mexico City’s Cruz Azul 7 – 0 in aggregate.

Antigua vs. Seattle Sounders FC

Seattle invites Antigua to Lumen Field on 2/26 with a 3 – 1 lead after their trip to Guatemala last week. The winner will go on to play Cruz Azul in the Round of 16.

Real Estelí vs. UNAL

Real Estelí is one of Nicaragua’s most consistently successful top-flight clubs, having never placed lower than fifth since 1986. They even managed to beat UNAL (commonly known as Tigres) in their home match 1 – 0, but fell in the away fixture, losing 3 – 1 in aggregate.

Motagua vs. FC Cincinnati

Cincy put the hurt on Motagua down in Tegucigalpa, Honduras last week. They bring their 4 – 1 lead back home on 2/26. Winner faces UNAL in the Round of 16.

Herediano vs. Real Salt Lake

The first leg on 2/19 was the only draw in the competition so far, both teams drawing blanks. This puts some pressure on the reverse fixture back in Sandy, UT. You have to figure the conditions will favor the home side, but you never know. The winner plays LA Galaxy in the Round of 16.