CONCACAF Champions Cup: Semifinals First Leg Preview

The semifinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup are underway, featuring two MLS teams and two from Liga MX, along with major stars like Lionel Messi.

An international final is guaranteed, as one side sees Canadian club Vancouver Whitecaps hosting U.S. side Inter Miami, while on the other, Cruz Azul will visit Tigres.

Here’s a breakdown of both semifinals matchups and what to expect as we approach the tournament’s decisive stretch.

CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals: Tigres vs. Cruz Azul

Liga MX is the big winner of this tournament so far, and it’s looking to keep that momentum going—with at least one Mexican team already guaranteed a spot in the final.

On one side, we have Tigres. Champions in 2020, the ‘Felino’ squad comes in with some peace of mind after securing fourth place in the domestic league, which granted them direct access to the playoffs without needing to go through the Play-In stage. That means they’re in the final stages of both competitions.

They’re coming off a 2-1 win over Pumas, thanks to a brace from Fernando Gorriarán—a positive sign, as the Uruguayan had only scored one other goal in 2025, back on January 11. Tigres are currently on a six-game unbeaten streak.

In this tournament, they eliminated Real Estelí of Nicaragua in the first round, then Cincinnati FC and LA Galaxy in the round of 16 and quarterfinals, respectively. Interestingly, they failed to win the first leg in all three series—losing to the Nicaraguans and drawing both games against the American sides. However, they started each tie on the road.

On the other hand, Cruz Azul is the second-most successful club in this tournament with six titles—their last coming in 2014, with the rest all before the year 2000. They’re just one behind Club América, and both teams have eight final appearances.

Like Tigres, Cruz Azul also secured direct entry to the Clausura MX quarterfinals after finishing third. They’re coming off a 2-2 draw with league leaders Toluca and are riding a 14-match unbeaten run, with their last loss dating back to February 15—ironically, against Tigres in Monterrey.

The team features European players like Mateusz Bogusz and Giorgos Giakoumakis, though the Greek striker hasn’t been in top form this year, scoring just two goals so far—both back in late January.

Tigres vs. Cruz Azul Betting Pick: Draw

CONCACAF Champions Cup Semifinals: Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami

On the other hand, we have the MLS matchup—two teams that have never reached the final of this tournament but are currently in great form.

Vancouver Whitecaps have been crowned champions of the Canadian Championship for the past three years, and they’re currently leading the entire MLS with 20 points.They’re coming off a scoreless draw against St. Louis City and are on a six-match unbeaten streak, although four of those have been ties.

With 17 goals scored, they boast the second-best offense in MLS, and with only six goals conceded, they have the best defense. They’ve been a surprise package in the CONCACAF Champions, first eliminating Costa Rica’s Saprissa by overturning a 2-1 first-leg deficit, then knocking out Monterrey and Pumas—both favorites—thanks to the away goals rule.

They’re missing key players due to injury, including Ryan Gauld and Mathías Laborda, while Sam Adekugbe and Jayden Nelson are doubtful.

Inter Miami already claimed an international title last year—the Leagues Cup—and now they’re going for an even bigger one. They recently pulled off a huge 0-1 win over Columbus Crew, putting them third in the Eastern Conference, just one point behind leaders Charlotte FC and with a game in hand.

They knocked out Sporting Kansas City, Jamaica’s Cavalier, and LAFC in a thrilling match that was decided by a late penalty goal from Lionel Messi. The Argentine is, of course, the team’s biggest star, and fortunately for coach Javier Mascherano, there are no injuries in the squad.

These two teams have only faced off once before, on May 25, 2024, in Canada, with Inter winning 1-2.

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Inter Miami Betting Pick: Inter Miami