Monterrey, Columbus Crew: A Rivalry Like No Other

Columbus, Ohio, and Monterrey, Mexico, are two cities separated by a vast expanse of land and culture. Their soccer teams, the Columbus Crew and Monterrey, are just as different: one, a young, up-and-coming club in Major League Soccer; the other, a powerhouse in the Mexican league. But despite these differences, they share one thing: a bitter rivalry that has set the stage for some of the most memorable matches in soccer history.
The rivalry began in the 1990s, when the two teams were placed in the same group for the CONCACAF Champions' Cup, a tournament for the best clubs in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean. In 1998, the Crew beat Monterrey 2-1 in the semifinals, sending the Mexican team home early. The Crew went on to win the tournament, their first major title.
Monterrey was not about to let that loss go unavenged. In 2003, they returned to the Champions' Cup and faced the Crew in the group stage again. This time, Monterrey won 3-0. The rivalry was on.
Since then, the two teams have met nine times in the Champions' Cup, with Monterrey holding a slight edge. But it's not just the results that have made this rivalry so heated. It's the physical play, the trash talk, and the passionate fans.
In 2010, the two teams met in the quarterfinals of the tournament. The first leg was played in Columbus, and the Crew won 2-1. The second leg was played in Monterrey, and the atmosphere was electric. The fans were chanting, the drums were beating, and the players were giving it their all. In the end, Monterrey won 2-0 and advanced to the semifinals on penalty kicks.
The Crew got their revenge in 2015, when they beat Monterrey 1-0 in the group stage. It was a sweet victory for the Crew, who had been waiting five years to get back at their rivals.
The most recent meeting between the two teams was in the 2022 Champions' Cup. Monterrey won the first leg 2-0 in Monterrey, and the Crew won the second leg 1-0 in Columbus. The tie was decided on penalty kicks, and Monterrey won 4-2.
The rivalry between the Columbus Crew and Monterrey is one of the most intense in soccer. It's a rivalry that has been fueled by great moments, great players, and great fans. It's a rivalry that is sure to continue for many years to come.