The first leg of the Toronto vs Chivas Guadalajara Concacaf Champions League Final will take place this Tuesday, April 17, 2018 (5:00 PM Pacific) at the BMO Field in Toronto. Fans can expect frigid temperatures for this match, as a cold front has blanketed the Canadian city in snow. Nonetheless, both teams will fight for a chance at representing the region in the FIFA Club World Cup.
Toronto FC have defied all expectations by reaching the Champions League final, defeating what could be argued are the best teams in Mexico. Toronto eliminated one of the favorites to win the competition, Tigres, by an aggregate score of 4-4, winning in away goals. After defeating Tigres 2-1 at home, Toronto took care of its chances and pulled off a 3-2 loss in Monterrey that secured its spot in the semifinals.
Toronto would go on to stun Club America in the semifinals, a heavy favorite to represent Concacaf in the Club World Cup. Toronto accomplished this in a dominating fashion, defeating America 3-1 at home, and comfortably achieving a 1-1 draw at the historic Estadio Azteca.
Chivas defeated a couple of MLS teams on their way to the final. First, they defeated Seattle Sounders with an aggregate score of 3-1 in the quarterfinals. After a 1-0 loss in Seattle, Chivas came back home to seal the ticket with a 3-0 home win.
Chivas would go on to face a dangerous New York Red Bulls in a tight semifinal, in which Chivas was able to scrape on by with a 1-0 home win followed by a 0-0 draw in New York. It wasn’t pretty, but Chivas got the job done.
Toronto vs Chivas Prediction
Toronto have to be regarded as the favorites in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions League Final. Toronto were able to defeat both Tigres and Club America at home, and will be looking to take an edge back to the decisive final match in Guadalajara.
Chivas were unable to score in either of their away games to Seattle and New York, and in fact, their scoring in the Liga MX has also been anemic. Chivas has struggled in the Liga MX, having been already knocked out of playoff contention. Nonetheless, coach Almeyda did rest his players in the weekend match against Xolos, which resulted in a 3-0 defeat, so Almeyda should count with a fully rested team.
Toronto has been too good at home, and Chivas have never really shown signs of offensive brilliance. Look for Chivas to play a defensive game, conceding possession of the ball, looking for counterattacking opportunities. FutnSoccer is predicting a tight match that sees Toronto take a 1-0 lead into the second leg.
Toronto vs Chivas Where to Watch
The Toronto vs Chivas match will be broadcast this Tuesday, April 17 at 5:00 PM Pacific:
TV Schedule: Univision Deportes
Watch Live Online: Sling TV (Watch 7 Days Free)
