CONCACAF Champions Cup: Xelajú MC 1-1 Monterrey

🌮 Underdog Spirit in Guatemala: Xelajú MC Hold Monterrey to Shock 1-1 Draw in CONCACAF Champions Cup

The 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup delivered early drama as Guatemalan side CSD Xelajú MC stunned regional giants CF Monterrey with a gritty 1-1 draw in the first leg.

Monterrey — champions of the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League and one of Liga MX’s most decorated clubs — entered the match as heavy favorites. But in the high-altitude atmosphere of Estadio Mario Camposeco, Xelajú proved that passion and tactical discipline can shake even the strongest opponents.

For much of the night, it looked like the underdogs were about to pull off a historic victory — until Monterrey’s late equalizer rescued the Mexican powerhouse.

Image created for illustration purpose only.

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📊 Match Stats

Final Score:
CSD Xelajú MC 1 – 1 CF Monterrey

Goals:
⚽ Joffré Escobar 83’ (Xelajú MC)
⚽ Jesús “Tecatito” Corona 90+2’ (Monterrey)

Key Match Numbers:

• Possession: Monterrey dominated the ball (~70%)
• Shots: Monterrey created far more attempts
• Defensive Actions: Xelajú relied heavily on blocks, interceptions, and compact shape

Despite Monterrey’s control on paper, Xelajú maximized efficiency — proving that football isn’t always won by possession alone.

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🧠 Tactical Battle

🛡️ Xelajú MC — Compact & Clinical

The hosts approached the match with a clear defensive structure:

• Deep defensive line with tight midfield spacing
• Limited Monterrey’s central creativity
• Focused on counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities

Their discipline paid off when Escobar converted a rare attacking opportunity late in the second half.

⚙️ Monterrey — Control Without Early Breakthrough

Monterrey dominated territory and tempo:

• Heavy wing usage to stretch Xelajú’s block
• Creative midfield rotations to find openings
• Constant pressure in the final third

However, patience was required — and only a dramatic stoppage-time finish saved them from defeat.

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⭐ Key Players

🔥 CSD Xelajú MC

Joffré Escobar — Clinical finisher who nearly delivered a historic win with a late goal.

Rubén Silva — Produced crucial saves under relentless pressure, keeping Monterrey frustrated for long stretches.

💪 CF Monterrey

Jesús “Tecatito” Corona — Veteran presence who stepped up in added time with a decisive equalizer.

Monterrey Midfield Core — Controlled possession and dictated tempo throughout the match.

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🌮 Second-Leg Outlook — Estadio BBVA Awaits

The tie now moves to Monterrey’s fortress in Mexico — where the Liga MX side will be expected to impose their superior squad depth and attacking firepower.

What to Expect

• Monterrey pushing aggressively from kickoff
• High possession and attacking pressure
• Xelajú sitting compact and looking for counter-attack opportunities

Keys to the Match

• Monterrey must convert dominance into early goals
• Xelajú need defensive discipline and efficient transitions
• One counter-attack could completely change the tie

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🏁 Summary

Xelajú MC delivered one of the most inspiring underdog performances of the round, holding a continental powerhouse to a draw and nearly pulling off a massive upset. Monterrey’s experience ultimately saved them — but the tie remains alive heading into the second leg.

With Monterrey now at home and Xelajú full of belief, the return match promises another spicy chapter in this CONCACAF Champions Cup battle.