Inter Miami - Monterrey summary: score, goals and highlights | CONCACAF Champions Cup
Inter Miami - Monterrey: As it happened
Monterrey secured a 2-1 victory over Inter Miami in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-finals but failed to capitalise on a red card for David Ruiz.
Inter Miami were without Lionel Messi on Wednesday evening but found themselves with an early lead after Tomas Aviles rifled home from close range. The Herons defended manfully for much of the game but the challenge was made much harder when David Ruiz was dismissed midway through the second half.
The hosts were finally breached with 20 minutes to go when Maximiliano Meza levelled the scores from a Monterrey corner kick. Tata Martino switched to a 5-3-1 formation in a bid to close out a valuable draw but a late stunner from Jorge Rodriguez gave Rayados their second goal of the night and a narrow lead to take back to Estadio BBVA.
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Inter Miami fall to a 2-1 defeat against Monterrey in the first leg of this quarter-final. The Herons have some work to do but are still in the tie ahead of the second leg in Mexico.
So what happens if Miami, strengthened by the possible return of Lionel Messi, level the scores in the second leg? Here's everything you need to know...
Full time at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami fall
The Herons' CONCACAF Champions Cup dreams are not over, but they have taken a significant dent. Inter Miami lost the home leg of their quarter-final meeting with Monterrey.
The Liga MX giants finish up with a 2-1 lead to take back to Mexico for the second leg but may rue not taking better advantage of the 20-minute spell in which Inter Miami were down to ten men.
Peep peeeep peeeeeeep
Nope, they can't. The full time whistle goes and Monterrey run out 2-1 first leg victors in this CONCACAF Champions Cup tie.
Inter Miami are back on the ball in the last seconds, looking for a dramatic late leveller. Can the Herons force something in the final stages?
The visitors are still pushing for another. Drake Callender makes a comfortable save from a long-range shot from Jorge Rodriguez.
Ryan Sailor
The Miami substitute is booked for a cynical foul on the halfway line, hauling down German Berterame.
Inter Miami are not giving up here. Luis Suarez tries to bring down a long ball forward but can't quite make it stick. Frustration for the Uruguayan.
Monterrey come forward on the counter-attack and look to get a second. Good play from Julian Gressel to recover the ball for his team.
There will be five minutes of added time at Chase Stadium.
Heartbreak for the Herons, who had defended well since going down to ten men.
Can they muster a late leveller? It's a big ask!
GOOOAAAAAL! Monterrey
The visitors finally nudge themselves ahead and it's a sensational curling strike from Jorge Rodriguez!
It was a lapse of concentration from Diego Gomez to lose the ball on the edge of the box. Rodriguez leapt on the loose ball and curled it into the top corner.
Brilliant footwork from Luis Suarez to barrel his way into the Monterrey box. He eventually loses his footing but the ball bounces up and, Suarez claims, hits a defender on the arm.
Referee says no, but it'll be checked by VAR.
Inter Miami are showing good composure on the ball in this 5-3-1 system but are struggling to get players forward. If they can see this out for the draw Tata Martino will be delighted.
Monterrey come forward again and work the ball to German Berterame in the box. He swivels on the ball and aims for the top corner but his effort flies over the crossbar.
Very good defending from Marcelo Weigandt to shield the ball out of play for a goal kick for his side. He has impressed against this evening, following up a positive start to life in MLS last weekend.
Canales' free kick beats the defensive wall but it bounces just wide of the post.
Monterrey win another free kick without shooting range. This time it's more central, but roughly 30 yards from goal.
Sergio Canales, the former Real Madrid man, is once again lining it up...
Now down to ten men, Inter Miami now appear to be playing in a 5-3-1 formation.
Rayados have the chance to deliver from the right.
Sergio Canales whips in a teasing ball that flashes across the face of goal but Drake Callender watches it well and palms the ball clear.
Sergio Busquets
The Miami midfielder is booked in the aftermath of a foul on Jordi Cortizo on the edge of the box.
Luis Suarez wins another free kick for his team. His hold-up play will be crucial for Miami as they look to ease the pressure form these Monterrey attacks.
VAR decision - Goal!
Confirmation that the goal has been awarded to Monterrey.
The scores are tied at 1-1, Inter Miami are down to ten men!
It looks like officials are checking whether Victor Guzman was standing in the eyeline of Drake Callender.
VAR check!
Hold on, it's looks like there's some VAR involvement here...
The referee has been called over to the monitor!
GOOOOAAAAAL! Monterrey
The visitors are level!
Corner kick is repelled at first by Drake Callender but the ball falls to Maximiliano Meza to fire home from close range.
Inter Miami make a substitution. Leo Alfonso is replaced by Ryan Sailor.
What happened for the David Ruiz red card?
- David Ruiz was credited with a booking in the first half
- The Miami midfielder received a yellow for a foul midway through the second half, but remained on the field
- Just minutes later a challenge on Meza earned Ruiz another booking.
- After two - or maybe three - yellow cards, Ruiz is dismissed
David Ruiz
Incredible! David Ruiz has now been sent off, a stupid flick out at Maximiliano Meza for no apparent reason earns him his second (or third?) yellow card.
Anyway, back to the game. Inter Miami are under a bit of pressure now with Monterrey starting to pin them back.
David Ruiz is definitely staying on the field here. The first half booking must have been incorrectly allocated to Ruiz.
According to the official MLS app, Ruiz was awarded a first half yellow card.
David Ruiz
Oh no! It's a yellow card for David Ruiz for an innocuous challenge in the midfield.
He's been booked already hasn't he? Maybe not, he remains on the field!
As we reach the half-mark, Tata Martino will be delighted with this Inter Miami showing. The Herons look to have worked on their defensive frailties and are keeping a dangerous side fairly quiet.
Erick Aguirre has a big chance to deliver from the right of the box for Monterrey but his left-footed cross is well over-hit.
Another change for Monterrey.
Jordi Cortizo comes on, Luis Romo is replaced.
So close!
Suarez whips a low free kick through a gap in the wall and nearly sneaks the ball in at the near post. The ball bounces just wide of Andrade's post but the Monterrey goalkeeper is absolutely furious with the disappearing defensive wall.
It's Luis Suarez to take the free kick for Inter Miami...
Luis Suarez looks for a little give-and-go with Diego Gomez on the edge of the box. The Uruguayan is blocked off as he tries to run into the penalty area and wins his side a free kick, roughly 25 yards from goal.
Big opportunity for the hosts...
Sergio Busquets draws a foul on the edge of the Miami box. A chance for the Herons to slow the game down.
Monterrey are struggling to break down this Inter Miami defensive shape. They have plenty of time, but Fernando Ortiz will be a little worried about their issues tonight.
Inter Miami enjoy a spell of good possession, knocking the ball around the edge of the Monterrey box.
Eventually Leo Alfonso loses the ball and gives away a free kick trying to win it back.
Clever through-ball from Suarez to play Gressel into the Rayados box. Gressel is well closed down by Andrade and the Monterrey keeper smothers the ball.
Inter Miami pick up where they left off with a confident start to the second half.
David Ruiz some some neat touches to make space for a shot but it's closed down by Monterrey.
Halftime change for Monterrey, Sebastian Vegas comes on for Hector Moreno.
And we're back!
Monterrey get the second half underway...
Inter Miami look to secure first leg win
For the Herons to progress, getting a good result in the home first leg will be crucial. They have started well this evening and hold a one-goal lead at the break. Monterrey struggled to engineer many openings - aside from a couple of half chances for Brandon Vazquez - and have been kept at bay by a disciplined midfield performance from Inter Miami.
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Can Monterrey turn it around against Inter Miami? Well, with 135 minutes of soccer still to be played, the Liga MX giants certainly stand a chance of progressing in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The Rayados have an illustrious history and are looking to add to their bulging trophy cabinet in this competition. We take a look at their silverware-laden history...
Tomas Aviles the difference-maker for Inter Miami
The Herons are without Lionel Messi this evening but they lead at halftime thanks to this strike from Tomas Aviles. Miami have not looked at their free-flowing selves in the first 45 minutes but they have looked impressively solid defensively.
Tata Martino's side have struggled at the back but tonight - their their first-choice backline available - they have looked good. Fittingly, young central defender Tomas Aviles fired Miami ahead with this clinical strike.
Peeep peeeeep peeeeeeeeep
And that's the last play of the first half! Inter Miami have not been at their sparkling best but they have looked defensively solid and that will be a major cause for celebration at Chase Stadium.
The Herons lead through a single goal from Tomas Aviles.
Brilliant to and play from Luis Suarez to shift the ball to Leo Alfonso in the box. The young forward shots at goal, his effort is well-saved by Andrade.
It was a decent effort from Alfonso, but Suarez is absolutely furious to have not received the ball back.
Inter Miami play the ball long to Luis Suarez. Victor Guzman climbs all over the Uruguayan striker and gives away a free kick on the halfway line.
Luis Suarez picks up a dangerous position on the right of the Monterrey box and tries to strike at goal from the angle. The shot is deflected and causes a moment of panic for Andrade, but the Monterrey goalkeeper manages to catch the spinning ball.
There will be a minimum of three minutes of added time at the end of the first half.
Gerardo Arteaga draws a foul from Julian Gressel on the halfway line.
Monterrey whip in the free kick from the right but Drake Callender does brilliantly to claim the ball.
David Ruiz (Inter Miami)
The young midfielder is booked for his comments to officials.
Sergio Busquets loses the ball on the halfway line to Luis Romo. The Rayados break on Miami and Jordi Alba is forced to bring down Jesus Gallardo on the edge of the box.
Inter Miami defend a Monterrey corner kick and immediately look to break. They work the ball forward to Suarez on the right of the Monterrey box and he clips it to the back post.
The cross is intercepted by the visitors, who regain possession.
Young forward Leo Alfonso, who only signed a first team contract with the team yesterday, enters the fray. Robert Taylor is replaced.
Robert Taylor (Inter Miami)
The Finnish forward is down for Inter Miami, he appeared to be holding his hamstring. This doesn't look good...
WATCH: Tomas Aviles goal fires Inter Miami ahead
Here's the goal that gives Inter Miami the lead. It was a teasing near-post corner kick from Julian Gressel and a thumping finish from the young defender.
Monterrey look to fashion a chance, Luis Romo pulling the strings for Fernando Ortiz's side. Inter Miami are playing with the backline and midfield trio playing very close together, making it difficult for Monterrey to play through them.
After a brief breather it looks like both players will be fit to continue. Diego Gomez and Maximiliano Meza trudge gingerly to the side of the field, they will return shortly.
There's a bit of concern for both teams as Gomez and Meza stay down after that challenge. Both players are receiving treatment on the field.
Diego Gomez (Inter Miami)
The Miami midfielder's poor first touch forces him into a desperate challenge on Maximiliano Meza. A deserved booking.
David Ruiz finds a pocket of space and comes forward for Miami. Jordi Alba drifts inside to take control of the game, operating as a playmaker when he takes up more central positions.
Ten minutes on from that Inter Miami opener, Tata Martino will be happy that his team have avoided a counter-punch. They have looked comfortable in defence in the early stages.
Jordi Alba is playing with a lot of freedom, playing as the further forward Miami player at times. He tries to latch onto a long ball forward from Ruiz but can't quite reach it.
Maybe a decade ago, Jordi.
Inter Miami work the ball out to Jordi Alba on the left. He curls in a cross, Robert Taylor tries to connect but can't meet the delivery with good contact.
No matter, the play is pulled back for an offside.
Brilliant pass under pressure from Drake Callender to ping the ball out to Weigandt on the right. Miami look to progress up the field...
Inter Miami come forward again with Gressel on the right. He looks to bend one in towards Suarez in the middle but Andrade comes out well to claim the ball.
Brilliant touch from Luis Romo to find Brandon Vazquez in space on the edge of the Miami box, but the USMNT forward had just drifted offside.
GOOOOAAAAAAL! Inter Miami
Julian Gressel whips in a dangerous near post corner kick and it's turned home by Tomas Aviles. Brilliant finish from the young defender, thrashing the ball into the roof of the net!
Good combination play from Gressel and Suarez, the latter clipping the ball over the Monterrey defence for the former. Gressel is taken wide of the goal and his clipped cross is turned out for a corner kick by Andrade.
Long shots seem to be the order of the day, as Luis Romo takes aim from a full 35 yards for Monterrey.
Needless to say the defensive midfielder's shot does not trouble Callender, sailing over the crossbar.
Inter Miami look to punch back and Jordi Alba charges forwards from his nominal role on the left of defence. He looks up and tries his luck from 25 yards but his shot flies high over the crossbar.
Another good opening for Monterrey as a long ball over the top sets Jesus Gallardo in on goal. He can't quite make space for a shot and Weigandt gets back well to stop the attack.
Good play from the Rayados.
Big chance for Monterrey. Canales picks up the ball 25 from goal and fires from range. His shot falls at the feet of Brandon Vazquez but he can't turn it goalwards.
Inter Miami are looking much more comfortable in possession this week, their on-ball play improving greatly with the return of Sergio Busquets to midfield. The Spaniard is looking to get things going for the Herons.
Luis Suarez drops into midfield to pick up the ball and looks to play Julian Gressel in on goal. The idea is a good one but the pass is over-hit and bounces through to Andrade.
Diego Gomez is penalised for a clumsy tackle on the halfway line.
Miami work the ball out to Jordi Alba on the left. The full-back whips in a cross towards Suarez but it's a little too close to Andrade and the Monterrey keeper claims it.
Good spell of possession for Inter Miami, with David Ruiz showing some neat touches early on.
Positive ball forward from Monterrey finds Sargio Canales running through on goal but Aviles gets back well to stop his progress.
First shot on goal from Vazquez draws a sharp save from Callender. Monterrey win a corner kick.
Luis Suarez goes down under a challenge from Victor Guzman, the young Monterrey defender giving him a light nudge.
As expected, the stands are packed and this one's got off to a fast start. Gerardo Arteaga makes good progress down the right for Monterrey but is dispossessed by Jordi Alba.
And we're off!
We are underway at Chase Stadium...
Final touches for Inter Miami
Kick-off is fast-approaching now, there's less than ten minutes to go. Inter Miami will be looking to get their season back on track and are strengthened by to key returns in defence; Nicolas Freire and Tomas Aviles. With those two reinstated in the heart of defence and Jordi Alba and recent signing Marcelo Weigandt at full-back, this could well be Inter Miami's first-choice defensive unit.
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Last weekend Inter Miami once again failed to win without Lionel Messi, toiling to a 1-1 home draw against New York City FC in the absence of the Argentine. The difference between the Herons' record with and without Messi in the team is a stark one.
They have a chance to right that record against Monterrey this evening, but it looks like a tough task for Miami.
Who have Monterrey beaten in the CONCACAF Champions Cup?
The Rayados have one of the strongest rosters in this competition and they have breezed through the first two rounds of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. They have won all four game played so far in the tournament, both legs of ties against Comunicaciones and FC Cincinnati.
In their most recent game against Cincinnati former Cincy star Brandon Vazquez came back to haunt his old team.
How did Inter Miami reach the quarter-finals?
We're less than 20 minutes from kick-off in this CONCACAF Champions Cup clash with Mexican giants Monterrey. It's been a few weeks since Inter Miami beat MLS rivals Nashville SC, with goals from Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Robert Taylor winning the game for the Herons.
This opening ewas the pick of the goals, Messi and Suarez combining brilliantly to fire Miami ahead in the tie.
The players are out on the field in South Florida, warming up ahead of this CONCACAF Champions Cup quarter-final clash. Chase Stadium is a sell-out for tonight's game and we're expecting a red-hot atmosphere as teams from MLS and Liga MX go head-to-head.
The stands are filling up, how crucial could tonight be for Inter Miami's 2024 ambitions?
Inter Miami's Uruguayan forward scored against Nashville. / CHRIS ARJOON / AFP
Luis Suarez looks to continue impressive CONCACAF record
Inter Miami are without Lionel Messi this evening but they are not short of attacking firepower. The Herons' 2024 top scorer Luis Suarez starts again against Monterrey, looking to continue his impressive first campaign in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
He scored twice and provided two assists across both legs of the Round One victory over Nashville, including a crucial last-second leveller in the first leg. He has also registered five goals and three assists in his first seven MLS appearances.
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Monterrey clash, Suarez said: "[Messi is] a player that makes a difference, we know it. We'll wait until tomorrow to see if he's there but if he's not we'll do it like we did the other day and win the games without him."
"We know it's a long season, we have a lot of injuries but we have a big team and we have a lot of really good players that can replace the others. Play continues, if the team stays together and keeps going forward that's the focus."
And here's the Monterrey starting XI to take on Inter Miami
The Rayados name a strong squad for their visit to Chase Stadium. Former FC Cincinnati striker Brandon Vazquez leads the line against Inter Miami, with former Real Madrid midfielder Sergio Canales playing just behind him.
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Here's a little more on the breaking news story that Lionel Messi will not play for Inter Miami against Monterrey. The Argentina captain has been struggling with a hamstring issue since the Herons' CONCACAF Champions Cup victory over Nashville SC, in which Messi scored and assisted goals in the first half.
Miami were hoping that he could return this evening but Tata Martino has opted not to risk his superstar.
Monterrey prepare for Inter Miami clash
Well, tonight's objective just got a lot more achievement for Monterrey. Inter Miami's struggles without Lionel Messi have been well-documented and the Liga MX side will be delighted to to be taking on a Messi-less Miami this evening.
The visiting squad look relaxed at Chase Stadium ahead of kick-off. Can they put down a statement performance against one of the pre-tournament favourites?
Is Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami today?
In a word, no.
The Herons will be without their World Cup-winning captain as he continues his recovery from injury. In his place, Tata Martino has opted for a three-man attack of Robert Taylor, Luis Suarez and Julian Gressel.
Nicolas Freire and Tomas Aviles are fit to start as the central defensive pairing.
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What has Tata Martino said about Lionel Messi's fitness? The health of the reigning Ballon d'Or winner could prove to be the defining factor for Inter Miami this season as they go in search of more silverware.
On Tuesday, Martino told reporters that he had not yet made a decision on his starting XI: “We’re going to decide tomorrow. He trained today but we won’t make a decision yet, there are still 24 hours to go. We’ll see with both Leo and Nico (Freire) tomorrow. But Sergiy Kryvtsov is ruled out,”
Is Lionel Messi playing against Monterrey?
We should have confirmed Inter Miami team news from Chase Stadium in the coming minutes, but elements in the Argentinian media are reporting that Lionel Messi will not be in the squad this evening.
This would be a major blow for Tata Martino's team, who are focused on progressing in this CONCACAF competition.
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The availability of Lionel Messi will be the biggest cause for concern among Inter Miami fans ahead of kick-off, but the Herons have a number of other fitness issues to consider. The likes of Nicolas Freire and Sergii Kryvtsov have also missed games due to injury in recent weeks.
Here's how we think the Herons will line up...
Monterrey look to continue perfect CONCACAF Champions Cup record
Four games, four wins. It doesn't get much better than that. Monterrey have cruised through the first stages of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup with wins over Guatemalan side Comunicaciones and MLS Supporters' Shield holders FC Cincinnati.
Let's see if they can maintain that perfect record in South Florida this evening...
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This year's CONCACAF Champions Cup has been billed as a battle between Liga MX and MLS, two leagues looking for regional dominance. The respective quality of the two leagues has never been closer and an Inter Miami victory over Monterrey would be serious statement of intend from MLS.
However there is at least one American side who will be hoping that Monterrey progress against the Herons...
Inter Miami tease starting XI news
Herons boss Tata Martino has a number of major calls to make with his team for tonight's game. Inter Miami have suffered a number of injuries this season, but none are more crucial than team captain Lionel Messi. The Argentine's shirt is not among those posted by the club ahead of kick-off. However Luis Suarez's No. 9 jersey is visible in the Inter Miami locker room.
Hello and welcome to AS USA, where we will be bringing you full text commentary as Inter Miami take on Monterrey in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
The Herons beat Nashville SC in the quarter-finals to reach the final eight. Monterrey saw off Supporters' Shield champions FC Cincinnati with the help of two goals from former Cincy star Brandon Vazquez.
The fitness of Lionel Messi remains a doubt and it's not clear whether the Argentine will be fit to feature in the starting XI.