Columbus Crew vs C.F. Monterrey Preview: Predictions, team news, lineups, and more

The CONCACAF Champions Cup is reaching its climax, as Columbus Crew prepares to face Rayados at Lower.com Field for the first leg of the semifinals this Wednesday evening.
Apr 20, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Crew fans celebrate a goal by forward Cucho Hernandez
Apr 20, 2024; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Crew fans celebrate a goal by forward Cucho Hernandez / Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA
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The Crew have already ousted a Liga MX team in the previous round, overcoming Tigres in a penalty shootout following a 2-2 aggregate draw. Wilfried Nancy’s squad aims to replicate this achievement against Rayados, understanding the importance of a solid performance in the home leg.

Monterrey has established itself as a formidable Mexican side, albeit experiencing a slight dip in form following their victory over Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in the quarterfinals, needing a 90+10’ minute equalizer against Tigres UANL and losing to Leon in their division.

  • What day is the match? Wednesday, April 24th, 2024
  • What time is kickoff? 8:15 pm (EST)
  • Where is it played? Lower.com Field, here at Columbus, Ohio
  • How to watch/listen from home? 
  • FS1/Fox Sports App, TUDN,

    La Grande 102.5 FM | Alt 105.7 FM

Columbus Crew team news

Christian Ramirez once again trained with the team so it looks like he’s fit to at least make it to the bus. Evan Bush is likely to miss out once again with a wrist injury.

C.F. Monterrey team news

According to reports, Mexican international, Jesus Corona, will be out for the first leg at Columbus.

Predicted XI

Columbus Crew XI: Schulte; Farsi, Moreira, Camacho, Cheberko, Sands; Nagbe, Morris; Matan, Hernandez, Rossi

Monterrey XI: Andrada; Aguirre, Moreno, Guzman, Arteaga; Meza, Canales, Romo, Gallardo; Berterame, Vazquez

Columbus vs Rayados score prediction

Wednesday night marks a massive occasion in Crew history you won’t want to miss, so if you’re attending the match, make yourself heard. This however is only the beginning of this two-leg semifinal. Think of it as the game that sets the tone for this matchup, as a strong result positions us well for the second leg at Rayados next Wednesday – still a massive challenge ahead.

Monterrey are no unfamiliar opponent to Columbus supporters, knocking the Crew out of this exact tournament in the quarterfinals of the 2021 edition. Arriving at the state capital with momentum, this continental powerhouse sits fourth in the Clausura standings of Liga MX. However, their journey in the CCC has been relentless. They comfortably defeated FC Cincinnati, the 2023 MLS Supporters’ Shield winners, in the R16. Next, they faced Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, once again asserting control over both legs and advancing to the semifinals. Columbus are now the remaining team in their way of the final and will be their toughest opponent thus far.

The Black & Gold have been up and down this year, having lost only once but with a considerable number of draws showcasing their struggles to finish games in regulation. Rayados are a force to be reckoned with and will be the Crew’s toughest opponent they’ve faced so far. That being said, this is a massive occasion for Columbus, and I believe the players, and even the crowd, will act as the 12th man, giving the team much-needed energy. I’m sticking with my heart here and saying it’ll be an electric night with plenty of goals; my gut is saying Crew 3-2 victors.

What are your predictions?

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