Major League Soccer has dominated LIGA MX in the early exchanges of the 2024 Leagues Cup to the tune of seven wins and one loss in head-to-head matchups but most of the Mexican league’s top teams have yet to play. That begins on Tuesday when recently crowned Concacaf Champions Cup winner Club Pachuca takes on New York Red Bulls in a highly-anticipated heavyweight clash at Red Bull Arena with an 8 p.m. ET kickoff.
Los Tuzos hope to rectify a disappointing inaugural Leagues Cup campaign in 2024, when they fell in the Round of 32 despite their group stage bye as LIGA MX champions. Meanwhile, everything is on the line for New York as they aim to bounce back from a heartbreaking penalty shootout loss to Toronto FC in their tournament opener. As a result, Red Bulls require a victory to advance to the knockout stages.
“It’s good for everybody to feel that pressure, make the most of it, and play to their utmost potential,” defender Sean Nealis said of the must-win scenario. “It’s a big-time opponent but we’re up for the challenge. We’re ready for the Leagues Cup experience where we have to go for the win, make the most of this opportunity, and hopefully advance.”
One of New York’s biggest hurdles in finding that much-needed win will be shutting down in-form Pachuca striker Salomón Rondón. The 34-year-old Venezuelan international was the joint-top scorer in last season’s Clausura campaign (8 goals), the top CCC scorer in Pachuca’s championship run (9 goals), and the CCC Golden Ball winner as the tournament’s best player before recording three goals and an assist in four matches for his country at Copa America.
Unsurprisingly, the challenge Rondón presents is one that RBNY defenders will relish.
“He’s a big guy, a big physical forward, but he’s also great technically,” Nealis said of Rondón. “I think as a center back you look forward to those challenges. Some of my most favorite memories are playing against top forwards in the league and learning to play against them and to fight and duel against them. It’s a challenge we’re looking forward to and hopefully we get the better hand.”
Unfortunately for the Red Bulls, they will be forced to play without 2023 MLS All-Star left back John Tolkin due to international duty at the Olympics in addition to captain Emil Forsberg — who remains unavailable after being placed on the Injured List with a lower leg injury.
Nonetheless, Pachuca is prepared for a dogfight against a strong opponent in a competition both teams value highly.
“I think it’s a very appealing tournament for both leagues. It’s a growing tournament and it continues to generate more and more expectations throughout the region and in large parts of the world,” said Pachuca manager Guillermo Almada. “We’ll be facing a very good team in New York. We know we’re in for difficulties with this great team. Still, we’re very hopeful to play well and ultimately win. That’s the only way we’ll leave the match happy.”
The upshot is expected to be a physical matchup between two teams who enjoy pressing high and counter-pressing, but more than anything, want to win a rivalry match to progress in the tournament.
“[Past celebrations] show the rivalry that’s been growing between both leagues,” said Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno. “Of course, we’re here to try to win, to compete at all times, and you celebrate wins. If you’re asking me, it’s well deserved and worth it to celebrate when you win because this is a growing rivalry. We know how MLS has grown and LIGA MX has always demonstrated a consistent, competitive level in North America. I find it very exciting and I believe celebrations are warranted when you win.”
With that in mind, both teams will do everything in their power to ensure that the club celebrating on Tuesday is themselves and not their opponent.
