Following Inter Miami CF’s thrilling 2-2 draw on the road against Nashville SC last Thursday in the Club’s Concacaf Champions Cup debut, let's take a look at the possible scenarios that would see the team advance to the quarterfinals in the upcoming second leg of the Round of 16.
Get your tickets HERE and don’t miss the action of the second leg of the Round of 16 against Nashville this Wednesday, March 13 at 8:15 p.m. ET at Chase Stadium!
Possible Scenarios
The 2-2 result in the first leg presents Inter Miami with favorable conditions ahead of the second leg of the series, as the team will play the second leg at home in South Florida and have the advantage of having scored two goals on the road. If the aggregate score (the addition of the result of both legs) after the two matches remains tied, away goals will work as the first tiebreaker.
In simpler terms, with a 0-0 or 1-1 draw, the team would secure its place in the quarterfinals. Additionally, with a win by any margin, Inter Miami would also advance to the next round, and be a step closer to the 2025 Club World Cup.
Conversely, any scoreline that results in a win for Nashville or any draw with three or more goals scored by each side (i.e. 3-3, 4-4, etc.) would see Inter Miami get knocked out of the competition
A 2-2 draw in regulation, meanwhile, would send the match to extra time, and if the score remains, the winner of the Round of 16 series will be determined in penalties.
What’s Next?
If Inter Miami clinches the quarterfinals, the team would face the winner of the series between LIGA MX side C.F. Monterrey and 2023 Supporters’ Shield winners FC Cincinnati.
Monterrey and Cincinnati will play the second leg of their series this Thursday, March 14 at 10:15 p.m. ET in Mexico. The first leg saw Monterrey leave Cincinnati with a 0-1 win at TQL Stadium.
What is the Concacaf Champions Cup and what is at Stake?
Easiest way to explain it - it’s the Concacaf version of the Conmebol Libertadores and the UEFA Champions League. So yes, it’s a big deal. Inter Miami clinched a berth by winning the Leagues Cup in 2023.
In addition to being the most prestigious competition in the region, the winner earns an automatic berth to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup taking place in the United States. So this means, the winner will battle up against the world’s best Clubs, including the champions of the UEFA Champions League and Conmebol Libertadores. Think teams such as Manchester City, Real Madrid, Palmeiras, Flamengo and more.
