Football

Pachuca Triumphs in CONCACAF Champions Cup, Extends Mexican DominanceMexican powerhouse Pachuca claimed their sixth CONCACAF Champions Cup title on Saturday, dismantling Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew 3-0 in a dominant display at their Estadio Hidalgo.Veteran striker Salomon Rondon led the charge for Pachuca, scoring twice to secure the victory. The Venezuelan international opened the scoring in the 12th minute, chipping the ball over Columbus goalkeeper Patrick Schulte after breaking free of the defense.Just moments later, Pachuca thought they had doubled their lead through Oussama Idrissi, but the goal was overturned by VAR due to a foul in the build-up. However, the reprieve was short-lived as Miguel Rodriguez made it 2-0 in the 30th minute, finishing off a well-worked move.Columbus, who had eliminated Mexican giants UANL Tigres and Monterrey en route to the final, struggled to cope with Pachuca's superior movement and pace. Despite preparing for the high altitude of Pachuca's home ground, the MLS champions were overwhelmed by the home team's relentless attacks.Rondon sealed the victory in the 67th minute, sweeping home a low finish after good work from Idrissi. Columbus never looked capable of mounting a comeback, as Pachuca continued to dominate possession and create chances.Pachuca's triumph extends Mexico's long-standing dominance in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Mexican clubs have now won 18 of the last 19 editions of the tournament, which is the premier continental club competition for teams from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.The victory also secures Pachuca's berth in next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which will be held in the United States.

Columbus Crew's historic run in the CONCACAF Champions Cup continued on Wednesday as they secured a spot in the final for the first time ever. After a 2-1 victory in the first leg at home, the Crew traveled to Monterrey, Mexico, and emerged with a stunning 3-1 triumph, sealing a 5-2 aggregate victory.Monterrey, seeking their sixth Champions Cup title, started brightly and took the lead through an own goal by Columbus defender Yevhen Cheberko. However, the Crew refused to be disheartened and equalized in dramatic fashion just before halftime. Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada's poor clearance was intercepted by Aidan Morris, who slotted home to level the scores.After the break, Columbus took control of the game. Diego Rossi fired them into the lead with a clinical finish, and the Crew held firm despite Monterrey's desperate attempts to equalize. Substitute Jacen Russell-Rowe put the icing on the cake in the 89th minute, securing a memorable victory for the MLS champions.Columbus's victory marks a significant milestone for the club and the MLS as a whole. They are now just one step away from becoming the fourth MLS team to be crowned champions of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The Crew will face Mexican club Pachuca in the final, with the winner earning a place at next year's expanded FIFA Club World Cup.

Inter Miami's star-studded duo, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez, once again proved their dominance as they led their team to a resounding 3-1 victory over Nashville in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16. The win secured a 5-3 aggregate triumph for the hosts in Florida.Suarez opened the scoring early on, capitalizing on a clever pass from Jordi Alba and a sensational through ball from Messi. The Argentine maestro doubled the lead 15 minutes later, receiving a pass from Diego Gomez and firing it home with precision.Inter Miami maintained their 2-0 advantage at halftime, and Robert Taylor extended their lead in the 63rd minute. Messi, who was substituted in the 50th minute, had already made his mark on the game.Nashville's consolation goal came in stoppage time through Sam Surridge, but it was too little, too late. The visitors had held Inter Miami to a 2-2 draw in the first leg, but the second leg proved to be a one-sided affair.Despite Messi's absence in the second half, Nashville struggled to create clear-cut chances. Drake Callender made a crucial save to deny Lukas MacNaughton, while Hany Mukhtar had a goal disallowed for offside.This was the fourth time Nashville had faced Messi since his arrival at Inter Miami. They had previously played to three draws, including a 10-9 penalty shootout victory for Miami in the 2023 Leagues Cup final. Messi scored early in regulation and converted the first penalty kick in that match, helping Miami secure their first trophy.