Action from the memorable Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League semifinal, second-leg encounter between host Club America (left) and Herediano on April 8, 2015, in Mexico City. (Photo: Mexsport)
PACHUCA, Mexico – In Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League history, on five occasions, teams have lost the opener of a semifinal series and then won the second leg in order to secure a berth in the final.
Cruz Azul accomplished the feat three times, while Atlante and Club America did it once each.
Pachuca and Vancouver Whitecaps FC will attempt to join that select group, when they look to bounce back from first-leg setbacks against FC Dallas (1-2) and Tigres (0-2), respectively, as the 2016/17 semifinals resume Tuesday.
Here’s a look at SCCL semifinal rebounds:
2008/09
Cruz Azul v Puerto Rico Islanders
- 1st leg: 0-2 away loss
- 2nd leg: 3-1 home win
- Cruz Azul advanced 4-2 on penalty kicks (agg: 3-3 after extra time)
Atlante v Santos
- 1st leg: 1-2 away loss
- 2nd leg: 3-1 home win
- Atlante advanced (agg: 4-3)
2009/10
Cruz Azul v Pumas
- 1st leg: 0-1 away loss
- 2nd leg: 5-0 home win
- Cruz Azul advanced (agg: 5-1)
2013/14
Cruz Azul v Club Tijuana
- 1st leg: 0-1 away loss
- 2nd leg: 2-0 home win
- Cruz Azul advanced (agg: 2-1)
2014/15
Club America v Herediano
- 1st leg: 0-3 away loss
- 2nd leg: 6-0 home win
- Club America advanced (agg: 6-3)
Only one team lost the first leg and won the second, but didn’t progress:
2014/15
Alajuelense v Impact de Montreal
- 1st leg: 0-2 away loss
- 2nd leg: 4-2 home win
- Impact de Montreal advanced on away-goals rule (agg: 4-4)
