Normally, Mexican teams roll through whoever they’re up against in the CONCACAF Champions League preliminary stage. Last year the two Mexican teams won their two-legged aggregate ties by a combined score of 15-2 so the preliminary stage isn’t usually a concern at all. It might be for Santos Laguna this year though because they were drawn against Olimpia, who are historically the top side in Honduras and last year beat out Toluca for the top spot in their Champions League group.
Santos Laguna Vs. Olimpia, CONCACAF Champions League: Lineups
In this first leg it is clear that Olimpia are going for the draw, playing six natural defenders. If they can get out of this without a goal against them, they will go home next week looking to upset their Mexican opponents. Keeping Santos scoreless will be tough though considering the attacking look they are going with at home. They’re clearly looking to not just get on the scoreboard, but get a few with seven players who will all look to get forward whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Santos Laguna (3-4-3): Oswaldo Sanchez; Santiago Hoyos, Jorge Ivan Estrada, Felipe Baloy; Juan Rodriguez, Carlos Morales, Daniel Luduena, Jose Cardenas; Carlos Darwin Quintero, Cristian Suarez, Oribe Peralta
Olimpia (6-3-1): Donis Escobar, Oscar Boniek Garcia, Jonny Palacios, Brayan Beckeles, Juan Garcia, Alexander Lopez, Fabio de Souza; Walter Castro, Javier Portillo, Oliver Morazan; Ramiro Bruschi
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