Vancouver Whitecaps will face CF Monterrey in the Round of 16 of the Concacaf Champions Cup,
with the first leg taking place on March 5 at BC Place, Vancouver. The Whitecaps secured their spot by defeating
Deportivo Saprissa, while Monterrey advanced after a dominant win over Forge FC.
Vancouver is in strong
form, having recently defeated LA Galaxy, with Brian White leading their attack. Monterrey, also performing well,
comes off a 4-2 victory against Santos Laguna, featuring a goal from Sergio Ramos, though he will miss the first
leg due to fitness concerns.
The second leg is scheduled for March 12, but due to Shakira’s concert tour,
Monterrey’s home game has been moved from BBVA Stadium to Estadio Corona in Torreón. The matchup is expected to be
intense, with both teams aiming for a crucial advantage in the first leg.
Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Monterrey: A Concacaf Champions Cup Showdown
The Vancouver Whitecaps are set to face Mexico’s CF Monterrey in the Round of 16 of the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup. The first leg of this exciting matchup is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, at BC Place in Vancouver, with kickoff at 7:30 p.m. PT.
Whitecaps’ Journey to the Round of 16
The Whitecaps advanced to this stage after a hard-fought series against Costa Rica’s Deportivo Saprissa. Despite a 2-1 loss in the first leg, Vancouver bounced back with a 2-0 victory at home, securing a 3-2 aggregate win. Forward Brian White was instrumental, scoring both goals in the second leg to propel his team forward
Monterrey’s Path to the Knockout Stage
CF Monterrey, known as Rayados, showcased their strength by defeating Canada’s Forge FC in the opening round. They secured a 2-0 win on the road, followed by a 3-0 triumph at home, demonstrating their invective prowess and solid defense.
Key Players and Absences
Monterrey’s squad boasts experienced talents like midfielders Sergio Canales, Jesús Corona, and defender Sergio Ramos. However, Ramos will miss the first leg against Vancouver. Since joining Monterrey in February 2025, Ramos has been on a specialized fitness program due to a period of inactivity before his arrival. After playing the full 90 minutes in a recent match against Santos Laguna, the coaching staff decided to rest him as a precautionary measure to prevent overexertion.
Whitecaps’ Recent Form
Vancouver enters this match with momentum, having defeated the reigning MLS Cup champions, LA Galaxy, 2-1 in their latest league outing. This victory places them second in the Western meet standings. Under new head coach Jesper Sørensen, the team has secured three consecutive wins, with Brian White leading the attack, supported by creative midfielders Ryan Gauld and Pedro Vite.
Monterrey’s Recent Performance
Monterrey is also in fine form, coming off a 4-2 victory over Santos Laguna in Liga MX. In that match, Sergio Ramos scored his first goal for the club, contributing to their strong offensive display
Match Venue and Broadcast Information
The first leg will take place at BC Place in Vancouver, a stadium with a capacity of over 54,000. Fans can watch the match live on OneSoccer, FuboTV, and TELUS Channel 980.
Anticipated Tactical Approaches
Vancouver is expected to leverage their home advantage, focusing on maintaining possession and pressing high to disrupt Monterrey’s build-up play. Monterrey, known for their attacking style, may adopt a more cautious refuge, especially without Ramos anchoring their defense. The midfield battle will be crucial, with both teams possessing c reative players capable of changing the game’s dynamics.
Looking Ahead
The return leg is scheduled for March 12. Notably, due to a scheduling conflict with Shakira’s “Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran” world tour, Monterrey’s home leg has been moved from BBVA Stadium to Estadio Corona in Torreón. This change has raised worry among fans regarding travel and security.