February 4 – Vancouver FC, not to be confused with the Vancouver Whitecaps FC, qualified for this year’s edition of the Concacaf Champions Cup thanks to reaching the final of the Canadian Champions Cup.
Established just three years ago in the Canadian Premier League, their debut in this tournament couldn’t be tougher as they face seven-time champions, Mexican powerhouse, Cruz Azul.
The squad does not have a great deal of experience at this level and will be relying heavily on the know-how of Nicolás Mezquida, who at 34-years-of-age will be the wise head in midfield.
Providing the tactical nous is Martin Nash, who is the younger brother of former NBA superstar Steve Nash. With 38 appearances for the Canadian national team, Nash is a widely traveled former player who will have realistic expectations about facing the defending champions.
La Máquina travels to Canada on the back of three consecutive wins in Liga MX and high hopes of adding to their eighth Champions Cup title.
Led by the Argentine Nicolás Larcamón, the head coach guides the club with a clear tactical vision. He’s an experienced operator in Mexican football.
Running the midfield is his fellow Argentinian, Agustin Palavecino, who joined the club in early January for $5.5 million from Pachuca. At 29-years-of-age he’s moving into his peak years.
Dovetailing with Palavecino is José Paradela, who has begun the Liga MX season in explosive style with three goals in his first four starts.
Crucially for the champions, the defensive bedrock of the team has remained in place with Carlos Rotondi, Gonzalo Piovi, Willer Ditta, and Erik Lira all returning despite interest from a host of clubs in Mexico and Europe.
Cruz Azul is rightly considered one of the favorites to lift the trophy again.
The return leg is on the 12th of February in Mexico City.
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