Memorable games and figures of the Concacaf Champions Cup

MIAMI – The Concacaf Champions Cup has delivered memorable comebacks and seen remarkable figures etch their name in history.

As the tournament approaches its 60th edition, we look back at some of the memorable matches and historical figures that have stood out throughout the history of the Champions Cup.

Memorable comebacks

These incredible comebacks underscore the resilience and determination that define the Concacaf Champions Cup, showcasing its ability to produce thrilling, unforgettable moments.

Alianza FC vs. Jong Colombia – 1967 Final

In a historic extra match of the 1967 final played on March 24, 1968, El Salvador's Alianza FC delivered a major comeback to win its first championship in tournament history. Facing Jong Colombia of Curaçao, Alianza rallied to a 5-3 victory. Key contributions came from Mario “El Chino” Flores and Luis Ernesto “Cascarita” Tapia, each scoring braces, along with Odir Jacques’ decisive goal. Despite Jong Colombia's early goals by José, Erick, and Wilfredo Constancia, Alianza’s firepower secured the title.

Cruz Azul vs. LA Galaxy – 1997 Final

On August 24, 1997, Cruz Azul achieved the greatest single-leg comeback in Concacaf Champions Cup final history. Trailing 0-2 against LA Galaxy at the Robert F. Kennedy Stadium, the Máquina Cementera roared back with a 5-3 victory. Carlos Hermosillo led the charge with a brace, while Benjamín Galindo, Johan Rodríguez, and Héctor Adomaitis each contributed goals. Despite a strike from Jorge Campos for the Galaxy, Cruz Azul's relentless offense delivered them the title.

Deportivo Toluca FC vs. Club América – 2002/2003 Semifinals

In the 2002/2003 semifinal, Club América appeared to be in control after a commanding 4-1 victory over Toluca at the Estadio Nemesio Diez. However, Toluca stunned Las Águilas in the second leg at Estadio Azteca. A thrilling 4-0 victory, capped by a last-minute goal from Emanuel Ruíz in the 90+2 minute to see Toluca advance and eliminate América on their home turf in dramatic fashion.

Chicago Fire vs. San Juan Jabloteh – 2003/2004 Quarterfinals

 The quarterfinals of the 2003/2004 edition saw an unprecedented comeback. San Juan Jabloteh of Trinidad & Tobago dominated the first leg, winning 5-2 at the Hasely Crawford Stadium. However, Chicago Fire turned the tie around with a 4-0 victory at Soldier Field, advancing to the next round. It remains the only instance in tournament history where a team overcame a five-goal deficit from the first leg.

CF Monterrey vs. Santos Laguna – 2013 Final

On May 1, 2013, CF Monterrey delivered one of the most memorable comebacks in Concacaf Champions Cup history. Trailing 0-2 after the first leg, Rayados overturned the deficit in the return leg with a 4-2 victory. Aldo de Nigris scored a brace, while Neri Cardozo and Humberto “Chupete” Suazo added crucial goals to secure Monterrey's third consecutive title. This remarkable turnaround cemented Monterrey’s dominance during that era.

Concacaf Champions Cup Legends

These legends have left an indelible mark on the Concacaf Champions Cup, shaping its history with their incredible performances, records, and unforgettable moments.

Darío “Pipa” Benedetto 

The Argentine striker became the third and most recent player to score a hat-trick in a Concacaf Champions League final, achieving the feat with Club América against CF Montreal in the 2014/2015 edition. Benedetto remains the only player to accomplish this under the current format, introduced in the 2008/2009 season. 

Javier "Chuletita" Orozco 

Mexican forward Javier Orozco set the all-time scoring record in the Champions League with 24 goals, which still stands. His remarkable 11 goals in the 2010/2011 edition while playing for Cruz Azul also make him the single-tournament top scorer with the most goals in a single campaign.

André-Pierre Gignac 

The French superstar etched his name into history during the 2020 final, scoring against Los Angeles FC to become the first and only player to score in finals against three different clubs: CF América (2015/2016), CF Monterrey (2019), and LAFC (2020). Gignac also holds the record for the most goals scored in semifinal matches, with five goals against Querétaro FC, CD Olimpia, and Vancouver Whitecaps.

Humberto "Chupete" Suazo 

The Chilean forward is the all-time leading scorer in the Champions Cup finals, with five goals: two goals against Real Salt Lake (2011), two goals against Santos Laguna (2012), one goal against Santos Laguna (2013).

Suazo is the only player to score in three consecutive finals (2011, 2012, 2013), cementing his legacy with CF Monterrey and Concacaf Champions Cup history.

Paul Aguilar 

Mexican defender Paul Aguilar is the most decorated player in tournament history, with five titles: three with CF Pachuca (2007, 2008, 2009/2010) and two with Club América (2014/2015, 2015/2016). Aguilar's versatility and consistency played a pivotal role in his teams' successes.

Emanuel "Tito" Villa 

On September 17, 2015, the Argentine striker became the only player to score five goals in a single Champions Cup match under the modern format. Villa's feat came during Querétaro FC's 2015/2016 Group Stage match against Verdes FC of Belize. 

Carlos Hermosillo

 Mexican forward Carlos Hermosillo was the first player to become a two-time tournament top scorer: in 1987 (6 goals) with Club América and in 1996 (4 goals) with Cruz Azul.

Oribe Peralta

Oribe Peralta matched Carlos Hermosillo’s record, claiming the scoring crown twice: with seven goals in the 2011/2012 edition as part of Santos Laguna and another seven in 2014/2015 with Club América.

Salomón Rondón 

With nine goals to win the Golden Boot of the 2024 edition, Salomón Rondón of CF Pachuca became the second Venezuelan player to finish the tournament as top scorer. The first was Juan Arango in 2002, also with CF Pachuca, with 4 goals, an award he shared with Brazilian Alex Fernández of Club Monarcas Morelia. He also became the first Venezuelan to score a brace in Final matches in the tournament's history and is the seventh South American footballer to score a double in Final matches.

Rondón also became the fifth footballer in the tournament's history to finish as the top scorer having scored nine goals and the second to achieve this with CF Pachuca. During the 2024 edition, he scored the 2,500th goal of the tournament since the format change in 2008-2009 and with the 6,300th goal in the tournament's history since 1962.