Forge vs. Monterrey Preview and Betting Odds

The CONCACAF Champions Cup kicks off, and one of the first-round matchups between North American teams will feature Canada’s Forge facing Mexico’s Monterrey.

Forge enters this tournament after being the best team in the regular season of the Canadian Premier League, though they couldn’t finish strong, losing the final.

Meanwhile, Monterrey also fell short in the final of the Liga MX Apertura and has not had the best start to 2025.

Forge and Monterrey will meet at Hamilton Stadium next Wednesday, February 5, for the first leg of the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

Forge vs. Monterrey Betting Odds and Info

Why Bet on Forge?

Forge enters the CONCACAF Champions Cup for the third time in its history. However, this time, they hope for better results, as they have yet to win a match in the tournament. In their previous appearances, they lost both series against Mexican teams: 1-3 and 2-1 versus Chivas in 2024 and 0-1 and 3-1 with Cruz Azul in 2022.

The ‘Hammers’ had a strong season in Canada, earning 50 points with 15 wins, five draws, and eight losses. They finished first in the regular season, two points ahead of Cavalry. However, Cavalry defeated them in the final, winning 2-1. They advanced to the tournament by winning the regular season.

Among the standout players on the squad is captain Kyle Bekker, a 34-year-old veteran who has played in MLS and for the Canadian national team. Additionally, Belgian midfielder Beni Badibanga brings experience from playing in his country’s first division.

Why Bet on Monterrey?

Monterrey is no stranger to winning the CONCACAF Champions Cup. The club has reached the tournament final five times and lifted the trophy on all five occasions, with the most recent victory coming in 2021. They enter this edition as favorites, not just for their opening series but for the entire tournament, despite a slow start to the year.

The year 2024 ended in disappointment for the Rayados after losing the final to América with a 3-2 aggregate score. Their start to 2025 was also underwhelming, with three draws and one loss in their first four matches. However, they finally broke a six-game winless streak this past weekend by defeating Necaxa 1-0, thanks to a goal from Fidel Ambriz.

Sergio Canales remains the team’s standout player, while high expectations surround his compatriot Óliver Torres. Reports indicate that the club is close to finalizing the signing of veteran defender Sergio Ramos. The 38-year-old Spaniard has not played since May 26 last year, but multiple sources confirm his imminent arrival.

Beyond the three Spaniards, Martín Demichelis’ squad boasts a strong roster, reinforced with key additions such as midfielder Nelson Deossa, who won this tournament last year with Pachuca, as well as defenders Luis Reyes, Ricardo Chávez, and Carlos Salcedo, and forward José Alvarado. Meanwhile, the team is still waiting for Lucas Ocampos to recover from injury. The Argentine winger has been sidelined since last year’s final, where he was forced off just four minutes into the match.

Final Betting Analysis: Forge vs. Monterrey

There is no doubt that Mexican and American teams are the favorites in this competition, and Monterrey is no exception. While the Rayados are not in their best form, and the cold Canadian weather could be a factor, they should have no trouble securing a victory.

The odds at Gambyl Exchange favor Monterrey, with a Moneyline of 1.49, while Forge stands at 5.72, and a draw is at 3.9.

This will be the Rayados’ first-ever match against a Canadian team, whereas Forge has suffered four losses in four games versus Mexican opponents.

Go for a win for Monterrey. If you bet $100 at 1.49, you will gain $49 for a total payout of $149.

Forge vs. Monterrey Betting Pick: Monterrey