The 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 features an all-Liga MX showdown between CF Monterrey and defending champions Cruz Azul. Monterrey advanced with a bye as a pre-seeded team (2025 Liga MX Apertura winners), while Cruz Azul progressed via a dominant 5-0 aggregate win over Vancouver FC in the first round. This first leg at Estadio BBVA sets up a fierce rivalry clash, with the return leg on March 17 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla. The teams met recently in Liga MX on March 1, where Cruz Azul won 2-0, adding extra spice to this knockout tie.
Venue Location
Estadio BBVA
Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
(Home of CF Monterrey; capacity: ~53,500)
Kickoff is scheduled for 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT / 3:00 AM UTC on March 11; 7:00 PM local time)
Broadcast: FS1/FS2, TUDN (USA); streaming on Fubo, Concacaf GO.
Weather Updates
Forecast for Monterrey on March 10, 2026, indicates warm, dry conditions conducive to open play. Expect clear skies with highs around 82°F (28°C) during the day, cooling to 68°F (20°C) by kickoff. Winds light (5-10 mph from the east), with low humidity (40-50%) and a negligible 5% chance of precipitation. No disruptions expected, though the evening drop could favor teams with better fitness. Similar to regional patterns, but monitor for any mountain-influenced shifts.
Injury Report
Injuries could influence tactics, with both sides missing key personnel in defense and goalkeeping.
CF Monterrey:
- Stefan Medina (defender, ankle): Out until late March. Recent setback.
- Carlos Salcedo (defender, thigh): Questionable; recovering but limited.
- Germán Berterame (forward, undisclosed): Available after recent return.
- Additional: Lucas Orellano (discomfort), Gerardo Arteaga (stomach), Axel Leone (hamstring) are sidelined or questionable, thinning options.
Monterrey’s depth is tested, potentially relying on rotations in midfield.
Cruz Azul:
- Jesús Orozco (defender, broken ankle): Out until early April.
- Kevin Mier (goalkeeper, leg): Out until mid-March; significant absence in net.
- Jorge Rodarte (midfielder, knock): Questionable.
- Additional: Nicolás Ibáñez (knock) and Mateusz Bogusz (illness) are recovering but available.
besoccer.com
Cruz Azul’s backline and goal are vulnerable, but their attack remains potent.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
This all-Mexican affair highlights tactical battles between Liga MX heavyweights. Key duels:
- Germán Berterame (Monterrey, forward) vs Ignacio Rivero (Cruz Azul, defender): Berterame’s movement (recent goals in Liga MX) tests Rivero’s positioning; could exploit Cruz Azul’s injury-hit defense.
- Sergio Canales (Monterrey, midfielder) vs Carlos Rodríguez (Cruz Azul, midfielder): Canales’ vision vs Rodríguez’s control—midfield dominance will dictate possession.
- Brandon Vázquez (Monterrey, forward) vs Willer Ditta (Cruz Azul, defender): Vázquez’s physicality meets Ditta’s aerial strength; set pieces could decide.
- Jesús Gallardo (Monterrey, winger) vs Uriel Antuna (Cruz Azul, winger): Flank speed clashes; wide areas may open up scoring chances.
Recent Team Forms
CF Monterrey (Last 5 Matches Across All Comps):
- L 0-1 @ Tigres UANL (Liga MX)
- W 4-0 vs Querétaro (Liga MX)
- L 0-2 vs Cruz Azul (Liga MX)
- L 0-2 @ Pumas UNAM (Liga MX)
- W 1-0 vs León (Liga MX)
Form: L-W-L-L-W (Inconsistent; strong at home but leaky away; 5 goals scored, 5 conceded).
Cruz Azul (Last 5 Matches Across All Comps):
- W 3-0 vs Atlético San Luis (Liga MX)
- W 2-1 @ Santos Laguna (Liga MX)
- W 2-0 @ Monterrey (Liga MX)
- W 2-1 vs Guadalajara (Liga MX)
- W 2-1 vs Tigres UANL (Liga MX)
Form: W-W-W-W-W (Dominant; 11 goals scored, 3 conceded; unbeaten streak).
Series History
A storied rivalry with 64 meetings overall. Cruz Azul leads 26-18-20 (goals: 88-76). In CONCACAF Champions Cup: Monterrey won their last encounter (2021 semifinals, 5-1 aggregate). Recent Liga MX: Cruz Azul unbeaten in last 3 (W2, D1), including a 2-0 win on March 1, 2026. Monterrey holds a strong home record vs Cruz Azul (W8, D6, L4 in last 18 home games).
Betting Trends
- Cruz Azul unbeaten in 10 (9 wins); over 2.5 goals in 70% of recent games, but clean sheets in 40%.
- Monterrey won 3/5 home games; conceded in 60% of recent matches.
- H2H: Both teams scored in 50% of last 10; under 2.5 in 60%.
- Trends favor Cruz Azul on the road (unbeaten in 5 away); sharp money on Cruz Azul double chance due to form and injuries; unders popular for first legs.
MATCH ODDS
Cruz Azul + 170
Monterrey + 160
Draw + 245
Over 2.5 – 120 Under 2.5 – 105
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, March 16, 2026
