Date: 14.12.2013 (19:30 Agadir) TV Coverage / Convert Time Zone Monterrey's Rayados are back for the third consecutive time and would like to at least equal their third place last year. It feels like the end of an era because they certainly won't be back in 2014 and with more expected changes it could be a while until we see them again. Raja knows a little bit about waiting for the next CWC appearance and would like to build on their win against Auckland. The winner will face South American champions Atlético Mineiro in the semifinals.
How Monterrey got here... CONCACAF Champions League Club Honours: - 4 Mexican League Titles - 3 CONCACAF Champions League Titles Of Note: 3rd place at the 2012 CWC CWC Participation: 3rd (2011, 2012, 2013)
This is indeed the weakest version of Monterrey, at least on paper. I would even argue that the Mexican National team decline during 2013 is linked with the two Monterrey teams floundering.
So how do Liga MX fans feel about this one? How have Monterrey looked since the departure of Aldo de Nigris and coach Victor Manuel Vucetich? From the outside it looks like both, Monterrey and Raja, are not really at the top of their form right now. Raja certainly have to raise their game from the Auckland match.
The Whitehouse team didn't show much to fear in their late-goal win over Auckland City. It would be a major disappointment if Mt loses this match.
To be fair, it's difficult to look good against a pesky defensive side like Auckland. I tend to favour Monterrey as well but given the crowd and a lucky bounce or two I can see Raja making a game out of this.
Won them in the last three years. Only the second team to win the Concacaf Champions League 3 years in a row after Cruz Azul did it in 69,70, and 71
They did bad but they had a pretty good squad, on paper. In fact, they dominated Kashiwa, they just wasted so many chances, and had no luck on the penalties.
they are extremely average. They have Basanta/Zavala/Suazo/Orozco as good Liga MX players everyone else is pretty mediocre or worse. They look extra retarded with the Pabon saga and letting Vucetich go so quick.
So let me get this straight. Monterrey is "weak" (compared to other years) and "average" - yet hands down favorite to advance to the semis? Sorry gents, but Liga MX clubs don't have that kind of renommée in this competition just yet. Banter aside, I think the first goal will be crucial in this encounter. PS: didn't realize Cruz coached Atlante at the 2009 CWC.
50%/50%. Even Brazilian press liked Raja. Although it was a 2-1 result, Raja had 21 vs. 7 shoots and 62% ball possession. They only had a hard defense against them and some unluck. I think Monterrey still better, but RCA has the whole Magana at their side, and they know Monterrey isn't Bayern or any top European side, so they will not fear them. And this can make some result at all, with both sides playing offensively.
What form is Humberto Suazo in? Any lasting impression by Monterrey will certainly include him. I see the new Monterrey stadium is coming along nicely, still scheduled to open next year? http://www.estadiodefutbolmonterrey.com/galeria.html
Monterrey may very well advance to the semis but they will have to put in the work. You can't just show up and expect to win. This isn't the CONCACAF Champions League. (but Monterrey already know that since 2011)
1Jonathan Orozco D 2Severo Meza D 3Leobardo López D 4Ricardo Osorio D 6Efraín Juárez D 15Jose Maria Basanta M 7Lucas Silva de Oliveira M 17Jesús Zavala M 18Neri Cardozo M 19César Delgado F 26Humberto Suazo