Leagues Cup throws up 38-penalty shootout in opening group game

Club León emerged victorious against the Vancouver Whitecaps in an exhilarating game that kept fans on the edge of their seats much longer than they could have expected. Many had predicted a routine victory for Profe Nicolás Larcamón’s side but what transpired was rather different, although it all worked out for the Liga MX team in the end.

León and Vancouver in Leagues Cup penalty drama

It’s worth remembering that the Leagues Cup 2023 point system means a group game that ends level after the regulation 90 minutes goes straight to penalties, with both teams getting a point. And that’s exactly what happened in this one.

Iván Moreno put the visitors ahead in Vancouver after 23 minutes but the game was flipped on its head with a brace from Sergio Córdova in the 44th and 57th. Elías Hernández then levelled things up with just over ten minutes to play with a stunning strike reigniting the spirits of the Guanajuato side. With no more goals before the whistle, a point was picked up by both teams and they headed to spot kicks for the win.

Little did we know that the shootout would be even more dramatic than the conclusion of the game itself, a nail-biting affair, lasting much longer than usual, and stretching to a total of 38 kicks.

In a rather improbable scenario, both León and Vancouver took a total of nearly 40 shots before finally a winner was announced. And while neutrals may have enjoyed it, for the players involved it turned out to be a rather nervy experience, evident from the expressions and attitudes displayed on the field.

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The outcome of each penalty was captured by the Leagues Cup social media team, the final one along with an amusing GIF from The Office that everyone watching could relate to.

Both teams successfully converted their first two penalty kicks, but then we saw two failed attempts. Immediately we were into sudden death. Composure was regained and both sets of players converted their next three penalties. Miss was followed by miss, emotions reaching highs and lows in quick succession, and then we watched as 21 consecutive strikes found the net. The Canadians then faltered.

So, León picked up the opening day win, with a final score of 16-15 in the penalty shootout after ending 2-2 at full-time. Can we expect more of this in the rest of the tournament? Given that Day 1 of the Leagues Cup also saw two other tied games (that three out of five) although with more reserved 5-4 and 4-1 shootout results, it certainly seems as though we will.