The magic of the Concachampions returned to Guatemala on Wednesday night as Xelajú MC vs Monterrey delivered a high-stakes battle that lived up to the continental hype. In a match defined by defensive grit and a frantic finish, the Mexican giants managed to escape with a 1-1 draw, thanks to a stoppage-time equalizer that silenced the raucous crowd at Estadio Mario Camposeco.
A Tactical Stalemate in Quetzaltenango
From the opening whistle of Xelajú MC - Monterrey, the "Superchivos" showed they were not intimidated by the pedigree of Monterrey FC. Despite the visitors controlling much of the possession, Xelaju maintained a compact defensive shape that frustrated the Liga MX side for over 80 minutes.
Monterrey vs Xelajú has historically been a tough fixture for visiting teams due to the altitude and the intense atmosphere in Quetzaltenango, and this edition was no different. The first half ended scoreless, with neither side able to find the clinical edge needed to break the deadlock.
Escobar Stuns the Rayados
The match exploded in the 83rd minute when Joffre Escobar sent the home fans into a frenzy. Following a swift counter-attack, Escobar found space in the box to slot home a low finish, putting Xelaju vs Monterrey on the verge of a historic upset. For a moment, it appeared the Guatemalan side would take a clean sheet and a win into the second leg.
"Tecatito" to the Rescue
However, Monterrey FC showed why they are perennial favorites in the Concachampions. In the 92nd minute, Jesús "Tecatito" Corona picked up the ball outside the area and unleashed a powerful strike that nestled into the corner of the net. The late goal salvaged the draw for the visitors and provided them with a crucial away goal heading back to Mexico.
Match Summary
| Team | Score | Goal Scorers |
| Xelajú MC | 1 | J. Escobar (83') |
| Monterrey | 1 | J. Corona (90+2') |
What’s Next?
The series remains wide open as both teams prepare for the return leg. While Xelaju proved they can compete with the best in the region, they will now face a daunting task at the Estadio BBVA.
The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to this Round One series. Following their 1-1 draw in the first leg, Monterrey FC will host Xelajú MC in the decisive return match.
Second Leg: Match Details
The second leg will take place at the "Gigante de Acero," one of the most modern stadiums in Latin America, where Monterrey is notoriously difficult to beat.
Date: Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Time: * 21:00 (9:00 PM) local Mexico time (CST)
22:00 (10:00 PM) Eastern Time (ET)
Venue: Estadio BBVA, Monterrey, Mexico
Ticket Information
Tickets for the return leg are currently in high demand as Monterrey fans look to push their team into the Round of 16.
Availability: Tickets are available through official platforms like Ticketmaster Mexico and the official Monterrey FC website.
Resale: Verified resale tickets can also be found on sites like StubHub and Viagogo, though prices may vary based on seat location.
Note for Fans: Club members (Abonados) usually have a priority window before seats are released to the general public.
How to Watch
Mexico: Fox Sports 1 / Fox Sports Premium
Guatemala & Central America: ESPN and Disney+
United States: FS2 (English) and ViX (Spanish)
Because Monterrey secured an away goal in the first leg, Xelajú will need to either win outright or secure a high-scoring draw (2-2 or higher) to advance on the away goals tiebreaker.
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