BIO Fabian Estay is a former Chilean international who played 69 times for his country, including four matches at the 1998 World Cup. He played from 1995-2005 in Mexico for Toluca, America, Atlante and Santos as well as for clubs in Switzerland, Greece, Colombia and Chile. He has been a television analyst for CONCACAF Champions League broadcast partner Fox Deportes in Mexico since 2009. ARCHIVE: 8/25/12

By Fabian Estay
CONCACAF.com Invited Analyst

It's a new Champions League and a new format - and a new challenge for the customary powers in CONCACAF.

Mexican clubs have won the confederation club title for seven years straight -- three in the CONCACAF Champions Cup, four under the current format - and one still must consider them the favorites.

But Week 2 gave hints that the path to the title may be a little steeper than in the past.

Chivas visited Xelajú in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala, where, in fact, the club was named a distinguished visitor to the city. However, thanks to a goal from Edgar Chinchilla, Hernan Medford's team grabbed a 1-0 victory and three points. The result represented a blow to the ego of Mexican soccer. In fact, once back in Mexico, Chivas' players and coach John Van't Schip apologized to the fans due to the result and promised to change the form of the team.

Tigres visited Alajuelense in Costa Rica, although with a "B" team and left with a draw, however once again it appeared that the tactics of coach Ricardo "Tuca" Ferreti may have cost the team the victory. Instead of looking for a third goal to guarantee a win, the team sat back and defended against a highly motivated team with a lot of support from the home crowd.

The Mexican champion, Santos, however, had no problems in beating the Salvadoran champion Aguila. Darwin Quintero was the key, scoring three of five goals in the 5-0 win.

Also, it needs to be noted the 5-2 win by the Galaxy over Isidro Metapan in which David Beckham's goal, which came directly off a corner, was the 1,000th in the competition's history.

The stumbles by Mexican clubs may be just momentary, for it remains to be seen if some of the more recognized Central America clubs, like Olimpia from Honduras, FAS from El Salvador and Alajuelense from Costa Rica, will be able to overtake the four Mexican clubs (Monterrey, Tigres, Chivas and Santos) and the U.S. MLS quartet (Galaxy, Seattle Sounders, Real Salt Lake and the Houston Dynamo).

While each team plays only four games, only the group winners advanced to the quarterfinals.

With a history of winning 28 CONCACAF club titles since 1962 -- and 14 runner-up finishes, Mexico certainly has the pedigree to still be given the benefit of any doubt.

Let's enjoy this tournament as it's the one that represents our region.

Follow Fabian on Twitter at @FABIANESTAY10 .