Concachampions: Xelaju to host Rayados in Guatemala in a match with a sense of revenge
The Guatemalan champion hosts Rayados in the first leg of the first round with the memory of the 2013 clash still fresh
Xelaju MC of Guatemala hosts Rayados de Monterrey this Wednesday in the first leg of the first round of the Concacaf Champions Cup, in a match that reignites the rivalry The rivalry began in the quarterfinals of the 2013 regional tournament, when the Mexican club eliminated the Quetzaltenango team.
The Guatemalan team, the country's only representative in this edition of the tournament, now seeks to settle old scores against a Monterrey side historically dominant in the continental competition.
Xelaju aims to be strong at home
The Quetzaltenango team, managed by Mexican coach Roberto Hernandez, will try to take advantage of their home field to gain an edge and secure their passage to the Concacaf Round of 16.
Xelaju earned their place in the tournament after reaching the final of the 2015 Central American Cup, where they lost 4-3 on penalties to Liga Deportiva Alajuelense of Costa Rica, a result that, nevertheless, allowed them to qualify for the region's top club tournament.
Monterrey arrives with its star-studded squad and pedigree continental
Monterrey's Rayados, now under the direction of Spanish coach Domenec Torrent, arrived in the Guatemalan capital this Tuesday with their star-studded squad, aware of the demands of the match.
The Monterrey club boasts a solid history in the Concacaf Champions Cup, a tournament they have won five times, most recently in 2021, making them one of the most successful teams in the competition.
Venue, time, and details of the first leg
Due to Concacaf requirements, the match will not be played at the Mario Camposeco Stadium, Xelaju's usual home ground, but at the Cementos Progreso Stadium, located in Guatemala City.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 pm ET (Eastern Time) this Wednesday.
Date of the second leg and what's at stake
The second leg of this series will be played on February 11 at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey. The winning team will advance to the Round of 16.
In addition to continental prestige, the Concacaf Champions Cup winner will earn a direct berth in the 2026 FIFA Intercontinental Cup and the 2029 FIFA Club World Cup, adding extra incentive to a tie steeped in history and ambition.