Escobar & Corona Goals: Xelajú-Monterrey Draw – Highlights & Recap

GUATEMALA CITY – A late goal by Jesús Corona salvaged a 1-1 draw for CF Monterrey against CSD Xelajú MC in the frist leg of their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One series on Wednesday, leaving the tie finely balanced.

A Dramatic Late Equalizer Keeps Monterrey’s Champions Cup Hopes Alive

The Mexican side fought back from a goal down in Guatemala City to secure a crucial draw in their Champions Cup campaign.

• CF Monterrey and CSD Xelajú MC played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Champions Cup series.
• Joffré Escobar gave Xelajú MC the lead in the 83rd minute with a well-placed header.
• Jesús Corona responded for Monterrey in the 92nd minute with a stunning strike from outside the box.
• The second leg will be played on February 11 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico.

Monterrey nearly took the lead early, rattling the crossbar in the 7th minute when Joaquin Moxica’s powerful header inside the box was denied by the woodwork.The game remained scoreless for much of the second half, with both sides creating chances but failing to find the breakthrough.

did you know? – The Concacaf champions Cup is the premier club competition in North America, Central america, and the Caribbean. The winner earns a spot in the FIFA Club world Cup.

Xelajú MC finally broke the deadlock in the 83rd minute. Joffré Escobar rose highest to connect with a long service from Javier gonzález, powerfully heading the ball into the net to give the home side the advantage.

However, Monterrey refused to surrender. Deep into added time, in the 90’+2′ minute, jesús Corona unleashed a impressive right-footed shot from outside the box, leveling the score and ensuring the series remains open.

Pro tip – In two-legged ties, securing an away goal is frequently enough crucial. It provides a significant advantage if the series goes to a tiebreaker, as it counts as a goal for the visiting team.

The second leg is scheduled for February 11 at Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Mexico. The team that prevails on aggregate will advance to the Round of 16.

Reader question – What do you think will be the key factor in the second leg? Will Monterrey’s home advantage be enough to overcome Xelajú MC? Share your thoughts!

What happens if the aggregate score is tied after the second leg? In the Concacaf Champions Cup, if the aggregate score is level after two legs, the away goals rule applies. If still tied, the match goes to a penalty shootout.

Explanation of Changes & How Questions are Answered:

* Why: The match was the first leg of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup Round One series. Both teams were competing to advance to the Round of 16.
* Who: CF monterrey (from Mexico) played against CSD Xelajú MC (from Guatemala). Key players mentioned are Joaquin Moxica, Joffré Escobar, Javier González, and Jesús corona.
* What: The match ended in a 1-1 draw. Xelajú MC took the lead in the 83rd minute, but Monterrey equalized in the 92nd minute.
* How: Xelajú MC scored with a header from Joffré Escobar off a cross from Javier González. Monterrey equalized with a long