This week saw exciting matches in both the Copa Libertadores and CONCACAF Champions Cup, with teams from MLS and Colombia making strong starts. Here’s a summary of the action and a look ahead to next week.
LAFC Dominates in Honduras
MLS clubs kicked off their CONCACAF Champions Cup campaigns ahead of the MLS season starting this Saturday. The results were impressive, especially LAFC’s 6-1 victory in Honduras, which almost guarantees their progression to the next round. LAFC jumped to a 2-0 lead within 11 minutes. Denis Bouanga, a top contender for MVP, scored three goals, along with a penalty from Son and additional goals from David Martinez Morales and Timothy Tillman. Although the game stats showed a closer match, LAFC was efficient in converting their opportunities.
The win sends a clear message from LAFC ahead of their matchup with Inter Miami. If LAFC secures their next game, they will return to Central America to play against Costa Rica’s Alajuelense.
Nashville SC also performed well against Atletico Ottawa. Ottawa initially held Nashville scoreless at home, but late goals from Woobens Pacius and Sam Surridge in stoppage time secured the win, making Nashville a strong favorite for the next round. Nashville outshot Atletico Ottawa 18-5, with the winner set to face Inter Miami.
Philadelphia Union achieved a 5-0 victory over Trinidad and Tobago’s Defence Force, limiting them to just four shots on goal. The gap between Caribbean teams and MLS remains significant. The Union will next face a struggling Club America from Liga MX.
FC Cincinnati had a convincing win against O&M FC from the Dominican Republic, with Ayoub Jabarri scoring twice. Next, they are set to face a difficult Tigres team from Liga MX.
Vancouver and LA Galaxy Aim to Advance
The Vancouver Whitecaps, looking to play against the Seattle Sounders, need to improve after a goalless draw against Costa Rica’s Cartagines. Vancouver created the better scoring chances in the match.
LA Galaxy, expected to win at home against Panama’s Sporting San Miguelito, had a disappointing 1-1 draw in Panama. The Galaxy, who have struggled recently, managed only one goal from Joseph Paintsil. The winner will go on to face Mount Pleasant from Jamaica.
Colombian Teams Start Strong in Copa Libertadores
The Copa Libertadores had a busy week with all games remaining competitive. Colombia’s two teams began with wins. Independiente Medellin secured a 2-1 victory with a late goal from Hayen Palacios against Uruguay’s Liverpool.
Deportes Tolima also won, defeating Deportivo Tachira 1-0, having created nearly double the goal-scoring chances. Venezuelan side Carabobo won 1-0 at home, while 2 de Mayo from Paraguay drew 2-2 with Sporting Cristal from Peru, thanks to own goals.
Argentinos Juniors won 1-0 against Barcelona SC, while Juventud and Guarani finished in a scoreless draw in other second-round matches. Barcelona SC conceded a late goal despite having a player advantage late in the game, casting doubt on their chances to advance.
FIFA Considers Club World Cup Expansion
Reports indicate that FIFA is exploring the possibility of expanding the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup to 48 teams. This change could allow more teams from CONEMBOL and CONCACAF to participate, which would be financially beneficial for those teams. Strong performances in both continental competitions could pave the way for entry into the tournament.