Monterrey vs Columbus Crew: Preview, Predictions and Lineups

Liga MX giant Monterrey host Columbus Crew in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal at Estadio BBVA on Wednesday night.

The first leg was a hard-fought battle between the two North American clubs, with reigning MLS champions Columbus winning 2-1 at Lower.com Field. Crew talisman Cucho Hernandez opened the scoring in the 25th minute before Maxi Meza equalized just before the 60th minute.

Canadian international Jacen Russell-Rowe put the Crew back in the lead in the 72nd minute and secured Rayados a narrow victory against one of the best teams in the region.

Despite the Crew’s lead, they can’t sit back against Monterrey on Wednesday night and hope that their one-goal lead is enough to secure their place in the final. This isn’t the way Columbus boss Wilfried Nancy operates either, and his team needs to be on the front foot against a Monterrey team that throws everything but the kitchen sink at the Crew’s defense.

Here is 90 minutes Guide to Monterrey vs Columbus Crew.

Monterrey vs. Columbus Crew H2H record (last five games)

Current form (all competitions)

Fernando “Tano” Ortiz’s starting right-back Erick Aguirre is doubtful to play in the crucial game due to a hamstring injury. His expected return is unknown and Gerardo Arteaga could move from left-back in the meantime.

The use of experienced winger Jesus Corona is also questionable as the former Sevilla and FC Porto player is struggling with injury. Rayados has a variety of wingers who can secure his place in the eleven, such as Maxi Meza, Jesus Gallardo and Jordi Cortizo.

Monterrey predicted lineup against Columbus Crew (4-5-1): Andrada; Arteaga, Guzman, Moreno, Gallardo; Meza, Rodriguez, Canales, Romo, Cortizo; Vazquez.

Mohamed Farsi is Nancy’s biggest injury concern heading into Wednesday night, with the full-back recovering from a groin injury and expected to return to action at the end of May. Expect Alexandru Matan to play a more defensive right-back role in his place.

Backup goalkeeper Evan Bush is also expected to miss the game with an arm injury and will be sidelined until the end of May. While Patrick Schulte starts between the posts for the crew, Nicholas Hagen becomes the team’s new No. 2.

Columbus Crew predicted lineup against Monterrey (3-4-3): Schulte; Moreira, Camacho, Cheberko; Matan, Morris, Nagbe, Amundsen; Russell Rowe, Hernandez, Rossi.

A thrilling encounter between Rayados and the team looms at the Estadio BBVA and Monterrey will be the favorites to reach the final due to their strong team that will play in front of their passionate fans. It is also important to note that a one-goal difference does not represent an insurmountable challenge for Monterrey, especially at home.

Brandon Vazquez and Sergio Canales will lead Rayados to a 3-1 victory over Nancy’s Crew and reach the Champions Cup final for the first time since 2021.

Prediction: Monterrey 3-1 Columbus Crew