Monterrey travels to Quetzaltenago for the opening leg of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup on 5 February 2026, kicking off at 01:00 UTC (19:00 local). The match pits Mexican powerhouse CF Monterrey against Guatemalan side CSD Xelajú MC at Estadio Mario Camposeco, with a clean sheet and early advantage crucial for the two‑leg tie.
Match‑Day Essentials
- Kick‑off: 01:00 UTC (19:00 GMT‑6) – Estadio Mario Camposeco, Quetzaltenago, Guatemala.
- Broadcast (U.S.): Live on TUDN and ESPN+; mobile streaming via the TUDN App.
- Tickets: General admission through the club’s website or stadium box office; limited VIP packages include pre‑match hospitality.
Club Histories
CSD Xelajú MC – founded 1928, 13 domestic titles, recent 2023 Apertura champions, regular in CONCACAF preliminary rounds. Home ground seats 11,000, known for passionate black‑clad supporters.
CF Monterrey (Rayados) – five Liga MX titles in the last decade, two CONCACAF Champions League trophies (2011, 2012), currently among the top three clubs in the CONCACAF coefficient.
Recent Form & Tactical Outlook
Xelajú MC
Six‑match unbeaten run in the 2025‑26 Liga Nacional (12 goals scored, 4 conceded). Manager Luis “Chivo” Martínez employs a 4‑2‑3‑1 system focused on quick transitions and set‑pieces. Forward José “El Gallo” Pérez leads with nine league goals.
Monterrey
Second in the Liga MX Clausura with 15 points from six games. Coach Jorge “El Maestro” Almirón favors an aggressive 4‑3‑3 style, using wingers Luis “Chicharito” Hernández and Andrés “El Rayo” Gómez. Defensive anchor Carlos “El Muro” Salazar provides stability.
What’s at Stake?
The first leg offers a chance to secure a clean sheet and an away‑goal advantage. A Monterrey shutout would create a psychological edge for the return match at Estadio BBVA. Xelajú aims for a goal‑scoring draw or narrow win to force Monterrey into a challenging second leg on foreign soil.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Jorge Almirón (Monterrey) – “We respect Xelajú’s atmosphere. Our plan is to stay compact, control possession, and exploit spaces behind their full‑backs. Altitude training prepares us, but we won’t underestimate the fans.”
Luis Martínez (Xelajú) – “Facing Monterrey is a privilege. Our fans are our twelfth man, altitude works for us. We will be disciplined defensively and strike on counter‑attacks, especially from set pieces.”
Looking Ahead
Kick‑off approaches, and the outcome will shape the narrative of the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. Whether Monterrey asserts dominance or Xelajú pulls off an upset, the first leg sets the tone for a tournament filled with high‑stakes drama and emerging talent.
