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Morning Espresso, 3.6: Lots of FIFA updates on competitions, ConcaChampions, and more
Welcome in for another edition of the Morning Espresso from the SDH Network, brought to you by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta's premier undergraduate learning experience and soccer powerhouse.
Some Champions League nuggets after the first legs of the Round of 16. Arsenal and Bayern can start looking ahead, although Manuel Neuer won't be part of the second leg after injuring himself celebrating the third goal in Bayern's win over Leverkusen... smh. Road wins by multiple goals for Inter and Aston Villa also set them up for success in the return legs. Late drama for Liverpool and an incredible day from Alisson give them a 1-0 at PSG, Barcelona played with 10 men for a long time but found a way to win 1-0 at Benfica. The return legs of those will be fascinating. Atleti returns home to host their cross-town rivals trailing 2-1 setting up a must-watch second leg.
Also, can Lille shock everyone and knock out the runners-up from last year Dortmund?
In the Concacaf Champions Cup, there will be drama in the second legs as well next week. One more game to go as Miami hosts Cavalier tonight. LAFC and Pumas are probably good with multiple goal advantages going on the road in the second legs. Chivas beat Club America 1-0 thanks to a late own goal, but now have to go to Mexico City next week to try to hold it. Herediano has to also try to hold a 1-0 lead in Los Angeles against the struggling Galaxy next week.
Disappointment for MLS sides as Seattle, Vancouver, and Cincinnati were only able to manage home draws and now need epic results in Mexico in the second legs next week.
Go check out the tux worn by Segundo Castillo, manager of Barcelona SC of Ecuador. Look good, play good, or manage good in this case. His side won 3-0 at home over Corinthians of Brazil in a Copa Libertadores preliminary round match.
Lots of FIFA updates in this edition, watch the video below for all of them. The biggest in my opinion is that the structure set for bids for the Women's World Cup all but guarantee that the U.S. will host in 2031 and Great Britain will host in 2035. Huge opportunities to grow that tournament after Brazil hosts in 2027 and I think Atlanta could play a massive role in that 2031 event if/when the U.S. is announced as the host.
Published on 4 months ago