Concacaf Champions League Quarterfinals: Club América and LAFC Advance to Semifinals
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Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images
Club América out of Mexico and Major League Soccer’s LAFC advanced to Saturday’s semifinals on the second night of Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League quarterfinals at Exploria Stadium after dispatching Atlanta United and Cruz Azul, respectively.
Atlanta United looked to erase a 3-0 aggregate score line in the opening match against Liga MX side Club América, while LAFC and Mexican side Cruz Azul met in a single-leg quarterfinal match in the nightcap.
The Five Stripes could only eke out a 1-0 win in the early match to fall 3-1 on aggregate. LAFC then came from behind to beat Cruz Azul 2-1 in the nightcap to keep MLS hopes alive in the competition.
New champion guaranteed
There will be a new champion this year as holders Monterrey did not participate in the 2020 edition of the Champions League. However there are still plenty of teams remaining with tournament pedigree. Record champions Club America (7) are in the strongest position heading into the quarter-finals after their dominant 3-0 win over Atlanta in the first leg on 12 March.
Head coach Thierry Henry s Montreal Impact will face Honduran giants Olimpia, who have a 2-1 advantage going into the second leg. Olimpia will be buoyed by defeating MLS champions Seattle Sounders in the Round of 16 on penalties. Head coach Pedro Troglio s charges will be inspired to become the first club from Honduras to reach the last four of the competition.