The CONCACAF Champions League group stage has been a bit of a dud thus far, with sloppy play and insignificant matches marring the region’s preeminent club tournament, but the final matchday is set for some drama, thanks to Alajuelense. The Costa Rican club has forced a huge group stage capper against Club America at Estadio Azteca, where the winner will advance to the quarterfinals and the loser will see their tournament come to a close.
CONCACAF Champions League roundup: Alajuelense move level with America; Tijuana cruise
There is only one matchday left in the group stage and it will feature a winner-take-all match in Mexico City.
Alajuelense 2-0 Sporting San Miguelito
Sporting shocked Alajuelense on matchday two, coming away with a 1-0 win at home, but they were completely outclassed in the return match. The Costa Rican side dominated the match from the start and while it took until the 62nd minute for Jerry Palacios to finally put Alajuelense in front, there was no doubt that it was deserved. Not long after, Alejandro Alpizar doubled the Costa Ricans’ lead and they were well on their way to three points.
The win puts Alajuelense level on points with Club America heading into the final matchday, setting up a winner-take-all match in Mexico City. Alajuelense do have one advantage, though-- by virtue of their win over America at home, they will win Group 4 and advance to the knockout stages with a draw.
Tijuana 6-0 Victoria
Tijuana had already clinched first place in Group 7 and a spot in the quarterfinals before Thursday's meeting with Victoria at Estadio Caliente, but that didn't stop them from taking the Hondurans out behind the woodshed. Herculez Gomez stole the headlines with a second half hat trick, but the match was over long before he came on as a halftime substitute. Diego Olsina put Xolos in front after just 16 minutes before goals by Paul Arriola and Emmanuel Cerda three minutes apart sealed the match. By then, it was just a training session for Gomez, who proved adept at putting the ball in an open net in the Tijuana rout.
More in Soccer:
See More:
