Monterrey - Inter Miami summary: score, stats and highlights | CONCACAF Champions Cup

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP

CONCACAF Champions Cup schedule: Semi-final fixtures and dates

Monterrey become the third Liga MX team to make it to the semi-finals of this year's CONCACAF Champions Cup. After a thumping win over Inter Miami they will fancy their chances of going all the way in the competition but face a tricky proposition in the next round. 

CONCACAF Champions Cup fixtures

Peeep peeeep peeeeeeep

Nope, no injury time. The referee has seen enough and calls time as soon as the clock ticks to 90 minutes. 

Monterrey run out 3-1 winners on the night, securing their place in the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final. 

Monterrey engage in a bit of keep-ball to see out the final moments. Just a period of injury time to go now.

That Gomez goal was greeted with muted celebrations from Inter Miami, who must know that this game is beyond them now. 

Still, another goal could make it interesting. 

Sergio Busquets has dropped back into defence after the loss of Jordi Alba. 

Luis Suarez wins his team a free kick after a foul from Stefan Medina. 

Inter Miami keep playing and Gressel sweeps the ball out to Allen on the left. 

Victor Guzman launches into a heavy challenge on Luis Suarez, leaving the Uruguayan crumpled on the ground. He's got his own back from that earlier clash. 

Jordi Alba

And there it is! Jordi Alba's evening is over after another frustrated challenge. 

He receives a second yellow and screams in the referee's face for good measure, likely landing himself in further disciplinary trouble there. 

It's all falling apart for Miami. 

Watch: Monterrey take a commanding lead with Gallardo

More poor defending from Inter Miami to lose the ball close to their own goal. Clinical play from Monterrey to take full advantage. 

Julian Gressel picks up the ball on the edge of the box and tries to curl one from 25 yards. His effort doesn't trouble Andrada. 

First change of the evening. Brandon Vazquez is replaced by Omar Govea. 

Jordi Alba

Uh-oh, frustrations are starting to take over now. Petulant challenge from Alba, who then pushes out at Stefan Medina. He's lucky to escape with a yellow. 

Clever play from Diego Gomez to beat his man in the Monterrey box but he loses his footing and, subsequently, the ball. 

The pace the game has slowed after that flurry from Monterrey. The Mexican side look happy to sit back now; Miami incapable of doing anything to up the tempo again. 

Luis Suarez

The Inter Miami man, his frustration overtaking him, is booked for some unflattering comments to the officials. 

Lionel Messi plays a long ball forward to Luis Suarez. He's muscled out of the way by Victor Guzman and demands a penalty. 

It's not been Suarez' game tonight. 

Inter Miami win a corner kick. Julian Gressel whips it in from the left, trying to beat Andrada direct from the corner, but the Monterrey keeper claims well. 

The home crowd are on their feet now, loving every second of this resounding victory for their team. Inter Miami have been outplayed since the break, just not good enough to compete with the Liga MX giants. 

Brandon Vazquez wins the header but the ball pops up in the air and is easily claimed by Drake Callender. 

Marcelo Weigandt concedes a corner kick. Monterrey's Sergio Canales trots across to take it...

So close! Inter Miami

Quick free kick from Busquets finds Jordi Alba in space on the left. He slides a teasing ball across the face of goal but Julian Gressel loses sight of the ball and can't finish from close range. 

How did he miss that?!

Inter Miami have the chance to break with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez but the latter takes a heavy touch on the edge of the box. 

He's not looked at his best today. 

That goal has put the situation into stark contrast for Inter Miami. 

They have half an hour left, they have to score three goals. Can they start to build momentum?

Monterrey take a commanding lead

If anything, Inter Miami have lost momentum since the break and are struggling to play up the pitch. 

Monterrey are looking very comfortable here. 

Brilliant run from Jesus Gallardo to bulldoze into the Miami box and fire at goal. The shot is straight at Callender and USMNT stopper saves well. 

Good break from Monterrey down the left. Busquets does well to get in a block and stem the pace of the counter-attack. 

Sergio Canales' corner kick is poor and easily cleared. 

Monterrey come straight back and Berterame whips in a teasing low cross that clips the Miami post. So close to a second for Monterrey!

Monterrey try to break and surge up-field. They work the ball for Luis Romo with space for a shot, but his low drive is deflected wide for a corner kick. 

Messi tries his luck from 30 yards but his effort is blocked. He's struggled to make space for a shot so far. 

Jordi Alba tries to clip a pass forward to Luis Suarez. It's overhit, and bounces through to Andrada. 

Not it's Nicolas Freire who gives away a Monterrey free kick on the halfway line. 

Somehow, we're still yet to see a single yellow card tonight. 

The free kick is well-struck, but well-saved by Drake Callender. 

Poor touch from Gressel gives the ball away in defence. Weigandt charges back to win the ball but gives away a free kick on the edge of the box. 

It's about 25 yards from goal. Big chance for Sergio Canales...

And we're back!

We're into the second half at Estadio BBVA...

INTER MIAMI

What result do Inter Miami need to qualify in the CONCACAF Champions Cup tonight?

Can Inter Miami still make it to the CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final? Of course they can, but it won't be easy. 

How can Inter Miami progress?

Monterrey - Inter Miami: Halftime thoughts

Defensive blunder - How many times have we complained of Inter Miami's lapses of concentration at the back? Many times, but it's rarely the fault of Drake Callender. The USMNT stopper, however, was to blame today, gifting Brandon Vazquez the opening goal. 

Fine margins - There's a place in the semi-finals of the ConcaChampions up for grabs today, the stakes are high. We've seen exactly how narrow the margins are at this level, Luis Suarez straying just offside and being denied a potentially pivotal goal just before the break. 

Deteriorating pitch - It took just five minutes for a member of the Monterrey groundstaff to be called into action, replacing a missing patch of turf at Estadio BBVA. Things have only got worse as the game continued, with big areas now looking decidedly brown. Disappointing, for a game of this level. 

Incredible atmosphere at Estadio BBVA

It's been a fascinating opening 45 minutes in this CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final second leg, one with all the atmosphere and attitude that you would expect. The Monterrey fans got the ball rolling with this incredible pre-game tifo. 

Monterrey lead at the break!

That's all for a pulsating first half at Estadio BBVA. Monterrey are ahead on the night but Inter Miami have started to fashion some chances. 

So close! Monterrey

The hosts pinch the ball off Messi at one end and launch a rapid counter-attack. It's worked to Meza on the edge of the box and his long-range drive flies just over the crossbar. 

Inter Miami are working up a head of steam in the final minutes of the first half. Can they find a leveller before the break?

Luis Suarez has the ball in the back of the net but it's ruled out for offside!

Big chance for Miami, Suarez just went a little too early. 

Big chance!

Sharp interplay from Miami. Busquets fires the ball to Suarez on the edge of the box. He clips a pass through to Messi but his first-time volley is saved by Andrada.

Better from Miami.

Sergio Busquets goes down under a heavy challenge in the midfield. Free kick to Inter Miami. 

There will be four minutes of added time at Estadio BBVA. 

Guzman is back on his feet and Suarez has escaped any punishment. 

On second viewing, it looked as if Suarez gave Guzman's arm a twist as they jostling for position in the box. 

Victor Guzman (Monterrey)

The defender is down after a coming together in the box. Not quite clear what went on, but Luis Suarez was certainly involved...

It looked like a good opportunity but a poor touch from Jesus Gallardo sees the chance slip away. 

Lionel Messi swings it in from the left. Andrada surges out to punch the ball clear. 

Monterrey can break now...

Already the game is looking a little stretched. 

Miami counter-attack after a Monterrey attack and Luis Suarez does well to win his team a corner kick. 

Watch: Brandon Vazquez goal gives Monterrey the lead

Here's the opening goal from Estadio BBVA, a gift for a striker of Vazquez's quality. 

Inter Miami are still looking to play out from the back, even as Drake Callender is subject to howls of derision from the home crowd.

This is a real test of character for the USMNT stopper now. 

The hosts swing in another corner kick, this time from the left. Poorly hit, straight out for a goal kick. 

Monterrey look to build down the left with Arteaga, who bombs forwards and whips in a brilliant cross. It finds Meza at the back post who forces a top save from Drake Callender. 

Corner kick to Monterrey, cleared by Miami. 

The state of the pitch is becoming a real problem as this game wears on. Huge areas in the middle are cutting up badly, leaving clearly visible divots and patches of missing turf. 

Really disappointing for a game of this stature. 

Lionel Messi is fouled by Sergio Canales in the midfield. 

The Argentine tries to fire the free kicks towards goal but it bounces harmlessly wide of the post. 

Vazquez accepts Callender gift

Lionel Messi pinches the ball off Gerardo Arteaga and nearly plays in Luis Suarez. 

The Uruguayan can't quite connect and it runs through to the keeper. The Monterrey bench are furious with that challenges from Messi, referee says it was clean. 

Brilliant curling delivery from Canales but Inter Miami head the ball clear.

Free kick to Monterrey after a rash challenge from Marcelo Weigandt. Canales to deliver form the left...

Inter Miami come close through Lionel Messi, who whips a shot just over the crossbar from 15 yards. First shot of the game for the Herons. 

So close! Monterrey

The hosts enjoy a spell of possession on the edge of the Miami box and work it out to Meza, who whips in a devilish low cross from the right. German Berterame is lurking in the middle but he can't quite connect!

Miami survive. 

Diego Gomez clips the ball over the Julian Gressel on the right. He curls in a cross for Luis Suarez but the striker's effort is blocked. 

Messi drops back into midfield to pick up the ball and get his team forward. He's been given a very loose role today, plenty of room to improvise. 

Nearly a nightmare for young Noah Allen as the Miami defender tries to play the ball across his own six-yard box. The pass is cut out by Berterame but the Monterrey striker can't bring the ball under control. 

A let-off for Miami, there. 

Monterrey are lining up in a reactive 4-4-2 formation, with Vazquez and Berterame leading the line. This system is perfect for a low block, but it does leave them outnumbered in the midfield. 

That Callender save has resulted in an Inter Miami goal kick. Absolutely no idea why. Apologies. 

German Bererame finds a pocket of space 25 yards from goal. He hits the ball firmly but Callender saves well, pushing it wide. 

Good opening from Miami as Weigandt charges into the box and looks for Suarez in the middle. The pass is a little underhit and is cut out by the Monterrey defence. 

First glimpse of genius from Lionel Messi as he twists and turns away from challenges in the midfield. He's looking pretty fresh so far. 

We're ten minutes in and the game has already began to form a clear pattern. 

Inter Miami will dominate the ball, looking to build up from defence and get Messi combining with Suarez. Monterrey will sit back, make life difficult for Miami, and look to break on the visitors with pace. 

Poor touch from Marcelo Weigandt on the right. The Miami right back concedes a throw-in, 35 yards from goal. 

Monterrey have a free kick on the right, next to the touchline. 

Canales whips the ball in and finds the head of Brandon Vazquez, who forces a good reflex save from Drake Callender. Monterrey could easily be ahead!

Another sharp counter-attack from Monterrey brings them up the field with Meza. Freire sprints across to block his progress. 

Bit of concern as the play is stopped so a member of the maintenance team can stomp down a patch of turf as it cuts up. 

The pitch does not look brilliant, big divots all over. 

But Monterrey boast a threat on the break. They come forward swiftly and find Maximiliano Meza on the right. He darts into the box but is muscled out by Noah Allen. 

Confident start from Inter Miami, knocking the ball around nicely. 

There's big boos for Lionel Messi every time the Miami captain touches the ball. Hope they don't tire themselves out too early, Messi's going to be on the ball a lot. 

Inter Miami are snapping into challenges from the off, refusing to allow Monterrey the time to build up from the back. 

And we're off!

Inter Miami get this CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final underway...

And here's the Inter Miami team

Lionel Messi returns to the starting XI, as does the rest of the ex-Barcelona quartet. These are the nights that they were brought in for. 

One final look at the Monterrey starting XI

Here's how the hosts line up...

Teams are out in Monterrey

The players on Monterrey and Inter Miami take to the field for this CONCACAF quarter-final fixture. Incredible noise at Estadio BBVA, let's hope that the on-field action can match it!

Kick-off is fast approaching at Estadio BBVA is packed, full of fans anticipating a historic evening of CONCACAF Champions Cup clash. 

The players are waiting in the tunnel, talking through any final preparations before entering the field. 

Monterrey warming up at Estadio BBVA

The hosts are going through their warmups ahead of kick-off in this CONCACAF clash. The Rayados are deserved favourites for this one after dominating for much of the first leg at Chase Stadium. 

But they were only able to secure a 2-1 victory in Miami, despite playing for half an hour with a one-man advantage. Will Fernando Ortiz's side come to rue their profligacy?

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP

Who is Iván Barton, the referee for Monterrey - Inter Miami today?

Certain members of the Inter Miami squad were displeased with the officiating in their first leg loss to Monterrey. The Herons went down to ten men after the second half dismissal of David Ruiz at Chase Stadium, meaning that he is unavailable for Tata Martino this evening. 

Who is Ivan Barton?

Watch: Lionel Messi marks Inter Miami return with a goal

The Argentine had missed four games due to a hamstring complaint but he needed just 12 minutes to find the back of the net on his return to the team last weekend. Messi entered the action as a halftime substituted with his team losing and swiftly got them level with this sweetly-struck finish from the edge of the box. 

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP

Monterrey - Inter Miami: date, times, how to watch on TV, stream online | CONCACAF Champions Cup

We're less than 30 minutes away from kick-off in this ConcaChampions clash. We'll be bringing you full live text commentary right here but you can also choose to watch or stream Monterrey - Inter Miami. 

Find out more

Inter Miami president soaks up the Monterrey atmosphere

David Beckham has seen it all in his career in soccer. Even so, the Inter Miami president will be an anxious as everyone else in attendance at Estadio BBVA as his team look to book their place in the semi-final of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. 

Ahead of kick-off Beckham takes a pitchside stroll, signing autographs for Miami fans. 

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP

Messi selfie seekers and pitch invaders will be banned from all Liga MX stadiums

Lionel Messi starts for Inter Miami but don't think that's your opportunity to get a quick snap with the legendary Argentine. Since his move to Inter Miami, and long before, fans have often rushed the field of play to meet their idol. 

Well Mexican authorities, quite rightly, are putting a stop to it. Anyone invading the field tonight will be hit with a severe punishment...

What's the punishment?

And here's the Monterrey lineup

More team news from Estadio BBVA, where Monterrey have made three changes to the team that beat Inter Miami last week. Most notably, German Berterame starts up front, meaning that former FC Cincinnati star Brandon Vazquez looks set to start as an attacking midfielder. 

Inter Miami arrive at Estadio BBVA

The Herons have landed! The MLS side have arrived at Estadio BBVA ahead of tonight's must-win CONCACAF Champions Cup game. Miami must overcome a 2-1 first leg defeat to make it to the semi-final but can call upon all four of their ex-Barcelona stars, with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez leading the line up front. 

Lionel Messi starts for Inter Miami!

Here it is, confirmed team news for Inter Miami. The fantastic four - Messi, Suarez, Busquets, Alba - all start!

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP

Inter Miami team news: Is Lionel Messi playing against Monterrey?

It's always important, but the presence of Lionel Messi in the Inter Miami starting XI will be absolutely crucial if the Herons are to progress this evening. They struggled to a 2-1 loss in the first leg on home turf and will need some Messi magic to help them overcome that deficit against Monterrey. 

Confirmed starting XI for both teams coming very soon. Here's what we know so far...

Inter Miami team news

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP

Monterrey assistant explains Lionel Messi confrontation: has the Inter Miami star ever been sent off?

Following on from the news that Inter Miami have been fined, what exactly do we know about what went on at Chase Stadium last week? Lionel Messi reportedly raised a fist at Monterrey assistant coach Nico Ortiz in the tunnel. 

Here's what the Monterrey assistant said about the incident...

What did Lionel Messi say?

Why have Inter Miami been punished by CONCACAF?

With little over an hour to go until kick-off, a press release from CONCACAF has confirmed that Inter Miami have been fined for events that occurred after the full time whistle in the first leg at Chase Stadium. 

The press release explains that "the Disciplinary Committee has fined Inter Miami CF an undisclosed amount for lack of security in their stadium."

The security issue in question? Lionel Messi and Tata Martino reportedly confronted match officials after the game to protest against some key decisions in the game. The incident was subsequently reported by Monterrey and Inter Miami have been punished. 

Fernando Tano Ortiz: “Messi can worry about us”

For many, the prospect of coming up against Lionel Messi would be a daunting one. Not, however, Monterrey manager Fernando Ortiz. Speaking to reporters ahead of tonight's game he made clear that he has confidence in his own team. 

“We are Monterrey. We are at home with our fans. Messi can worry about us," he said. “No, but seriously, we are very fortunate to be on the field with the best player in the world. We will enjoy it, but at the same time we want to win.”

Will Lionel Messi start for Inter Miami?

Well, unless the Inter Miami social media team is playing a delayed April Fool's joke on us all, it certainly looks like Lionel Messi will feature for the Herons this evening. After missing four games due to a hamstring issue the Argentine returned as a halftime substitute last weekend, requiring little more that ten minutes to find the back of the net. 

Without him, few would give Inter Miami much chance of progressing past Monterrey. With him? That's a very different proposition. 

CONCACAF CHAMPIONS CUP

Where is the CF Monterrey stadium? Mountain behind Estadio BBVA

Want to know a little more about Monterrey's Estadio BBVA? Here's a complete look at the iconic soccer stadium, the venue for tonight's CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final. 

Read more about Estadio BBVA

Estadio BBVA, a picture-perfect venue

There are few, if any, stadiums in world soccer that can match the incredible views from Estadio BBVA. Monterrey's stadium was completed in 2015 and was, at time of completion, the most expensive Mexican stadium ever. 

It's super-modern, boasts a 53,500 capacity and is undeniably beautiful. The perfect venue for tonight's do-or-die clash. 

INTER MIAMI

What result do Inter Miami need to qualify in the CONCACAF Champions Cup tonight?

From the very start of 2024, Inter Miami boss Tata Martino has made no secret of his decision to prioritise the CONCACAF Champions Cup in the early months of the season. He's said so in press conferences and has rested key players ahead of CONCACAF fixtures. 

Will their dreams of a continental title end tonight? Here's what Inter Miami need to do to progress...

Inter Miami must navigate away goals rule

Can Monterrey maintain their perfect CONCACAF record?

Make no mistake, CF Monterrey are one of the favourites to lift the CONCACAF Champions Cup this year. The Liga MX side have enjoyed a perfect record in this year's competition, winning all five of their fixtures to date. 

To reach the semi-finals they simply need to avoid defeat at home against Inter Miami this evening. Sound easy enough? 

Hello and welcome to AS USA on a massive night of CONCACAF action. It's the second leg of the quarter-finals and Inter Miami have a massive job on their hands if they are to overcome Liga MX giants CF Monterrey. 

The Herons lost the first leg, on home turf, 2-1 but will take confidence from the fact that they fought bravely despite playing with ten men for 30 minutes. They were able to regroup after the dismissal of David Ruiz and stay in the tie. 

Monterrey know that they are through if they avoid defeat defeat this evening. Miami are the underdogs but are boosted by the return from injury of Lionel Messi. 

Away we go!