Last night, Inter Miami CF faced a difficult first game against C.F. Monterrey in the quarterfinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup 2024, ultimately falling 1-2losing 1-2 in the end despite a valiant effort.
Defender Tomás Avilés saved the team's honor with a well-deserved goal at Chase Stadium. Without Lionel Messi, Inter could not withstand Monterrey's blow.
Los Rayados overcame Miami
Down a man, Inter Miami fought tirelessly, but Monterrey's resistance proved formidable. Miami now aims to reverse the aggregate score in the second match at BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, scheduled for next Wednesday, April 10.
Captain Drake Callender was in goal, backed up by Marcelo Weigandt, Avilés, Nicolás Freire and Jordi Alba in defense.
The midfield featured Sergio Busquets, David Ruiz and Diego Gómez, while Julian Gressel and Robert Taylor flanked striker Luis Suárez in attack.
In the early stages, both teams exhibited offensive prowess, creating chances. However, it was Inter Miami who took the lead, taking the advantage in the 19th minute. Central defender Aviles found the net with a quick right-footed shot from close range following a corner kick delivered by Gressel.
This was Aviles' first goal of the season and his second since joining the club last summer. Gressel, in turn, secured his first assist in the Concacaf Champions Cup and fourth overall in 2024.
However, Inter Miami suffered an early setback in the 37th minute, as Taylor's injury required a substitution.
Academy prospect and MLS SuperDraft selection Leo Afonso replaced him in the attacking lineup. Despite the alteration, the score remained 1-0 until halftime.
Match recap vs C.F. Monterrey: https://t.co/PvWuAnZjJA pic.twitter.com/y3cwmgxdaz
- Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) April 4, 2024
The Second Half and Reactions
The second half unfolded as a tight contest, with both teams exhibiting stout defense. However, Monterrey capitalized on Inter Miami's numerical disadvantage, reversing the deficit.
Winger Maximiliano Meza scored in the 70th minute, followed by midfielder Jorge Rodriguez's goal in the 89th minute. With the score unchanged in the remaining minutes, Inter Miami narrowly lost to Monterrey in the first game of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals.
Head coach Gerardo 'Tata' Martino expressed his satisfaction with the team's competitive spirit, highlighting their admirable performance as the most crucial aspect.
He emphasized the importance of the match as a learning opportunity for the Club and its younger players, praising their ability to meet the high standards set by the game.
Next up, Inter Miami will return to MLS regular season action on Saturday, April 6, hosting the Colorado Rapids at Chase Stadium, marking the first meeting between the two teams.
The team will then travel to the BBVA Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, to conclude the Concacaf Champions Cup clash on Wednesday, April 10.
Since his arrival in July 2023, Lionel Messi has been absent from a total of 12 games for the Herons, including Wednesday night's clash. During this period, the team has managed just two wins in all competitions.
On the other hand, for Rayados, Maxi Meza has stood out as a notable performer in the 2024 Champions Cup.
With a goal and an assist on Wednesday, the Argentine has proven his prowess, playing a pivotal role in the Rayados' win. Impressively, he now boasts five assists in the tournament this year, leading the statistics in all categories.
