2018 CONCACAF Champions League final

In the following table, final until 2008 were in the CONCACAF Champions' Cup era, since 2009 were in the CONCACAF Champions League era.

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| caption1 = BMO Field in Toronto, Canada hosted the first leg

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| caption2 = Estadio Akron in Guadalajara, Mexico hosted the second leg

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Toronto's BMO Field, with a seating capacity of 30,000, hosted the first leg of the final; it opened in 2007 and was renovated in 2016.{{cite news |date=5 May 2016 |title='A whole new stadium': Take a look at renovated BMO Field ahead of Toronto FC home opener |url=https://nationalpost.com/sports/soccer/a-whole-new-stadium-take-a-look-at-renovated-bmo-field-ahead-of-toronto-fc-home-opener |work=The National Post |access-date=11 April 2018}} The second leg took place in Guadalajara at the Estadio Akron, which opened in 2010 and has a capacity of 48,071.{{cite news |last=Montoya |first=Ariadna |date=27 February 2018 |title=América 'pinta' de amarillo el Estadio Akron de Chivas |trans-title=América 'paints' Chivas's Estadio Akron in yellow |language=es |url=http://www.elgrafico.mx/deportes/27-02-2018/america-pinta-de-amarillo-el-estadio-akron-de-chivas |work=El Gráfico |access-date=11 April 2018 |archive-date=12 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412082234/http://www.elgrafico.mx/deportes/27-02-2018/america-pinta-de-amarillo-el-estadio-akron-de-chivas |url-status=live }} The two stadiums hosting the final were also candidates for the 2026 FIFA World Cup bid shared between Canada, Mexico, and the United States,{{cite news |date=15 March 2018 |title=Canada bid director says World Cup pitch for 2026 focuses on real grass |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/sports-pmn/canada-bid-director-says-world-cup-pitch-for-2026-focuses-on-real-grass |work=The National Post |access-date=11 April 2018}} although only Estadio Akron was eventually selected.{{cite news |date=June 16, 2022 |title=World Cup 2026 host cities confirmed: What you need to know about the 16 venues |url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37628821/need-know-16-venues |work=ESPN |access-date=December 2, 2023 |archive-date=5 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231205030255/https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37628821/need-know-16-venues |url-status=live }}

The CONCACAF Champions League was established in 2008 as the continental championship for football clubs in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, succeeding the CONCACAF Champions' Cup. During its first nine editions, the Champions League consisted of a group stage in summer and autumn followed by a knockout stage during the following spring.{{cite magazine |last=Straus |first=Brian |date=20 February 2018 |title=CONCACAF Champions League is Different, but Will MLS's Fortunes Change at All? |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/02/20/concacaf-champions-league-format-mls-toronto-fc |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=1 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180401004651/https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/02/20/concacaf-champions-league-format-mls-toronto-fc |url-status=live }} Beginning with the 2018 edition of the tournament, the group stage was re-formed as the CONCACAF League and limited to Central American and Caribbean teams. The Champions League was shortened to a two-month knockout tournament between teams from North American and major Central American nations, as well as the winner of the CONCACAF League.{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=23 January 2017 |title=CONCACAF Champions League unveils new format without group stage |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/story/3044900/concacaf-champions-league-unveils-new-format-without-group-stage?src=com |publisher=ESPN |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174759/http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/story/3044900/concacaf-champions-league-unveils-new-format-without-group-stage?src=com |url-status=live }} The knockout tournament falls within the beginning of Major League Soccer's season, which operates on a summer schedule unlike other football leagues.{{cite news |last=Kennedy |first=Paul |date=23 January 2017 |title=Concacaf Champions League: new format, same old issues for MLS clubs |url=https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/72063/concacaf-champions-league-new-format-same-old-is.html |work=Soccer America |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174738/https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/72063/concacaf-champions-league-new-format-same-old-is.html |url-status=live }}

Toronto FC were appearing in their first final, and were the second Canadian team to have reached the final after Montreal Impact finished as runners-up in 2015.{{cite news |date=11 April 2018 |title=2017 Canadian Championship winners Toronto FC advance to Concacaf Champions League Final |url=https://www.canadasoccer.com/2017-canadian-championship-winners-toronto-fc-advance-to-concacaf-champions-league-final--p161530 |publisher=Canada Soccer |access-date=14 April 2018 |archive-date=15 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180415190352/https://www.canadasoccer.com/2017-canadian-championship-winners-toronto-fc-advance-to-concacaf-champions-league-final--p161530 |url-status=live }} Only four teams from Major League Soccer (three American, one Canadian) on five occasions had managed to reach the final of the Champions League or the Champions' Cup. In addition to Montreal Impact, LA Galaxy (in 1997) and Real Salt Lake (in 2011) had previously lost in the final. D.C. United (in 1998) and LA Galaxy (in 2000) were the only two MLS teams to have won the competition, doing so during the Champions' Cup era.{{cite news |last=Evans |first=Simon |date=21 April 2015 |title=Soccer: Montreal seek history in CONCACAF Champions League final |url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-concacaf-preview/soccer-montreal-seek-history-in-concacaf-champions-league-final-idUKL4N0XI65520150421 |publisher=Reuters |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=12 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001022/https://uk.reuters.com/article/soccer-concacaf-preview/soccer-montreal-seek-history-in-concacaf-champions-league-final-idUKL4N0XI65520150421 |url-status=dead }} Of these five finals, four were against Mexican opponents, with only D.C. United managing to win.{{cite web |last1=Goloboy |first1=Jim |last2=Lugo |first2=Erik Francisco |last3=Stokkermans |first3=Karel |url=https://www.rsssf.org/tablesc/ca1.html |title=CONCACAF Cup |website=RSSSF.com |publisher=Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation |date=1 March 2018 |access-date=11 April 2018 |archive-date=12 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160112090854/http://www.rsssf.com/tablesc/ca1.html |url-status=live }}

Guadalajara had previously appeared in three finals, all in the Champions' Cup era. They won the inaugural edition in 1962, before finishing second the following year after withdrawing from the final. Guadalajara appeared in their next final 44 years later in 2007, losing to fellow Mexican club Pachuca on penalties. Mexican teams were the most successful in the history of the Champions League/Champions' Cup, with a total of 12 teams having won a combined 33 titles. Mexican teams had appeared in every final since 2005, and won every tournament since 2006. There had been a total of eleven all-Mexican finals, all since 2002, including the previous two finals.

{{further|2018 CONCACAF Champions League}}

Note: In all results below, the score of the finalist is given first (H: home; A: away).

Toronto FC qualified for the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League as winners of the 2016 and 2017 editions of the Canadian Championship.{{cite news |last=Smith |first=Doug |date=27 June 2017 |title=Toronto FC captures Canadian Championship |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2017/06/27/toronto-fc-captures-canadian-championship.html |work=Toronto Star |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174629/https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2017/06/27/toronto-fc-captures-canadian-championship.html |url-status=live }} The berth was originally going to be determined via a play-off match in August 2017 between the winners of the two tournaments had another team won either edition, due to the restructuring of the Champions League.{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=9 March 2017 |title=Toronto FC cries foul at CONCACAF Champions League qualifying change |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/toronto-fc-cries-foul-at-concacaf-champions-league-qualifying-change/article34261071/ |work=The Globe and Mail |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=29 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429101326/http://www.theglobeandmail.com/sports/soccer/toronto-fc-cries-foul-at-concacaf-champions-league-qualifying-change/article34261071/ |url-status=live }} Toronto had appeared in four prior Champions Leagues, finishing as high as the semi-finals in 2011–12, losing to eventual runners-up Santos Laguna.{{cite web |title=Champions League 101 |url=https://www.torontofc.ca/concacaf-champions-league-101 |publisher=Toronto FC |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=12 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180412001116/https://www.torontofc.ca/concacaf-champions-league-101 |url-status=live }} The team also won the 2017 MLS Cup and Supporters' Shield, completing MLS's first ever domestic treble, but could not qualify for the Champions League through either because the berths were designated for a team from the United States.{{cite news |last=Stejskal |first=Sam |date=8 January 2018 |title=2019 CONCACAF Champions League qualifying process clarified |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/09/22/how-concacaf-champions-league-qualifiers-are-determined-mls |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-date=26 October 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026000625/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2017/09/22/how-concacaf-champions-league-qualifiers-are-determined-mls |url-status=live }} Ironically, Toronto's coach, assistant coach, and several starting players were previous part of Chivas USA, an MLS team affiliated and wholly owned by Guadalajara.{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=16 April 2018 |title=Toronto FC success shaped by talent that came through Chivas USA |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3458844/toronto-fc-chivas-guadalajara-paths-linked-by-chivas-usa-delgado-vanney-fraser-zavaleta |publisher=ESPN |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-date=17 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417105507/http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3458844/toronto-fc-chivas-guadalajara-paths-linked-by-chivas-usa-delgado-vanney-fraser-zavaleta |url-status=live }}

Toronto was placed into Pot 1 and drawn against fellow MLS club Colorado Rapids in the Round of 16.{{cite news |last=Davidson |first=Neil |date=22 December 2017 |title=Toronto FC gets tough draw in return to CONCACAF Champions League |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/toronto-fc-concacaf-champions-league-colorado-rapids-1.4455493 |publisher=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=8 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408020908/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/toronto-fc-concacaf-champions-league-colorado-rapids-1.4455493 |url-status=live }} Toronto played the first leg away in Commerce City, Colorado on February 20, winning 2–0 during the coldest ever match involving MLS teams, measured at {{convert|3|F|C}} at kickoff and {{convert|-16|F|C}} with wind chill.{{cite news |last=Boniface |first=Daniel |date=20 February 2018 |title=MLS champions Toronto FC beat Rapids in frigid conditions |url=https://www.denverpost.com/2018/02/20/toronto-fc-beat-rapids-frigid-conditions/ |work=The Denver Post |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175034/https://www.denverpost.com/2018/02/20/toronto-fc-beat-rapids-frigid-conditions/ |url-status=live }} The team advanced into the quarter-finals with a 0–0 draw at home in Toronto, winning the series 2–0 on aggregate.{{cite news |last=Mahiban |first=Dhiren |date=27 February 2018 |title=TFC advances in Champions League after draw with Rapids |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/toronto-fc-colorado-rapids-champions-league-1.4554953 |publisher=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=8 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180408185055/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/toronto-fc-colorado-rapids-champions-league-1.4554953 |url-status=live }} Toronto played Mexican champions Tigres UANL in the quarter-finals and won the home leg 2–1 with a late goal from Jonathan Osorio.{{cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Laura |date=7 March 2018 |title=Jonathan Osorio plays the heel as Reds get a leg up on Tigres |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2018/03/07/jonathan-osorio-plays-the-heel-as-reds-get-a-leg-up-on-tigres.html |work=Toronto Star |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174647/https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2018/03/07/jonathan-osorio-plays-the-heel-as-reds-get-a-leg-up-on-tigres.html |url-status=live }} The team took a 2–1 lead in the away leg, but two goals from André-Pierre Gignac gave Tigres a 3–2 win and a 4–4 aggregate tie. Toronto advanced on away goals, becoming one of two MLS teams to advance to the semi-finals.{{cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Laura |date=14 March 2018 |title=Toronto FC advances on away goals despite second-leg loss to Tigres |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2018/03/13/toronto-fc-advances-on-away-goals-despite-second-leg-loss-to-tigres.html |work=Toronto Star |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174815/https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2018/03/13/toronto-fc-advances-on-away-goals-despite-second-leg-loss-to-tigres.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Tom |date=13 March 2018 |title=Toronto FC overcome Tigres in CONCACAF Champions League classic |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3418992/toronto-fc-overcome-tigres-in-concacaf-champions-league-classic |publisher=ESPN |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175201/http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3418992/toronto-fc-overcome-tigres-in-concacaf-champions-league-classic |url-status=live }}

Toronto hosted the first leg of the semi-finals against Club América on April 3, winning 3–1 after two unanswered goals in the 44th and 58th minutes.{{cite news |last=Ralph |first=Dan |date=3 April 2018 |title=TFC overpowers Club America in Champions League semifinal opener |url=http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/toronto-fc-club-america-champions-league-concacaf-1.4603862 |publisher=CBC Sports |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411191646/http://www.cbc.ca/sports/soccer/mls/toronto-fc-club-america-champions-league-concacaf-1.4603862 |url-status=live }} The match included a half-time altercation between Toronto and América players, in which América coach Miguel Herrera accused Toronto Police of assaulting his players.{{cite news |last=Platt |first=Oliver |date=4 April 2018 |title=America coach Herrera accuses Toronto police of hitting his players |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-america-coach-herrera-accuses-toronto-police-of-hitting-his-players-20180404-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175029/http://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-america-coach-herrera-accuses-toronto-police-of-hitting-his-players-20180404-story.html |url-status=live }} To prepare for the away leg at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, Toronto moved a league fixture and spent several days acclimating to the altitude in Pachuca.{{cite news |last=Giacometti |first=Eric |date=7 April 2018 |title=Early arriving Toronto FC work to acclimate to altitude in Mexico |url=https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2018/04/07/early-arriving-toronto-fc-work-acclimate-altitude-mexico |publisher=Toronto FC |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175026/https://www.torontofc.ca/post/2018/04/07/early-arriving-toronto-fc-work-acclimate-altitude-mexico |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Tom |date=9 April 2018 |title=Toronto FC faces its toughest test yet in Azteca vs. America |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3450155/toronto-fc-faces-its-toughest-test-yet-vs-club-america-at-the-azteca |publisher=ESPN |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=10 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180410033533/http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3450155/toronto-fc-faces-its-toughest-test-yet-vs-club-america-at-the-azteca |url-status=live }} In the away leg, Toronto took an early lead in the 12th minute, but América equalized on a last-minute penalty, bringing the aggregate score to 4–2.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=10 April 2018 |title=Toronto FC ousts Club America, earns berth in Concacaf Champions League finals |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2018/04/11/toronto-fc-ousts-club-america-earns-berth-in-concacaf-champions-league-final/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411061550/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2018/04/11/toronto-fc-ousts-club-america-earns-berth-in-concacaf-champions-league-final/ |url-status=live }} Toronto became the third Major League Soccer team and second Canadian team to advance to a Champions League final, following Real Salt Lake in 2011 and the Montreal Impact in 2015.

C.D. Guadalajara, also known as Chivas, qualified for the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League as winners of the 2017 Clausura in Liga MX.{{cite news |last=Baker |first=Geoff |date=13 March 2018 |title=Prideful Chivas might be hurting own cause in Champions League and beyond |url=https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/prideful-chivas-might-be-hurting-own-cause-in-champions-league-and-beyond/ |work=The Seattle Times |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175123/https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/sounders/prideful-chivas-might-be-hurting-own-cause-in-champions-league-and-beyond/ |url-status=live }} The 2018 tournament was the team's second under the current Champions League format, having finished in the group stage in 2012–13.{{cite web |last=Butler |first=Dylan |date=6 March 2018 |title=Seattle Sounders vs. Guadalajara: CONCACAF Champions League Match Preview |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/06/seattle-sounders-vs-guadalajara-concacaf-champions-league-match-preview |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175344/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/03/06/seattle-sounders-vs-guadalajara-concacaf-champions-league-match-preview |url-status=live }} Under manager Matías Almeyda, Chivas advanced to seven finals in various tournaments since 2015.{{cite news |last1=Carlisle |first1=Jeff |last2=Marshall |first2=Tom |date=12 April 2018 |title=CONCACAF Champions League final: Do Toronto or Chivas have the edge? |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3453265/concacaf-champions-league-final-preview-toronto-fc-vs-chivas |publisher=ESPN |access-date=25 April 2018 |archive-date=26 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426144723/http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3453265/concacaf-champions-league-final-preview-toronto-fc-vs-chivas |url-status=live }}

Guadalajara was drawn with Cibao FC, winners of the 2017 CONCACAF League, in the Round of 16. The team stayed in Puerto Plata, approximately {{convert|45|mi|km}} from the stadium in Santiago de los Caballeros, due to a tobacco growers' conference that filled available hotel space.{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Tom |date=21 February 2018 |title=Cibao FC to make CONCACAF Champions League knockout debut |url=http://www.espn.co.uk/football/cibao-fc/story/3392472/cibao-fc-to-make-concacaf-champions-league-knockout-debut |publisher=ESPN |access-date=11 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174345/http://www.espn.co.uk/football/cibao-fc/story/3392472/cibao-fc-to-make-concacaf-champions-league-knockout-debut |url-status=live }} Guadalajara won the first leg in the Dominican Republic by a 2–0 margin and the second leg 5–0.{{cite news |date=28 February 2018 |title=Chivas recupera olfato goleador previo al Clásico |trans-title=Chivas reclaim goalscorer's sense of smell before Clásico |language=es |url=http://deportes.televisa.com/mxm/futbol/partidos/en-vivo/concachampions-2017-2018/46026/guadalajara-vs-cibao/cronica.html |publisher=Televisa Deportes Network |access-date=10 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174834/http://deportes.televisa.com/mxm/futbol/partidos/en-vivo/concachampions-2017-2018/46026/guadalajara-vs-cibao/cronica.html |url-status=dead }} In the quarter-finals, Guadalajara played Seattle Sounders FC of MLS and lost the first leg 1–0 away in Seattle.{{cite news |date=8 March 2018 |title=Dempsey's late goal lifts Sounders past Chivas, 1–0 |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/03/08/dempseys-late-goal-lifts-sounders-past-chivas-1-0/32723701/ |work=USA Today |agency=Associated Press |access-date=11 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411182752/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/soccer/2018/03/08/dempseys-late-goal-lifts-sounders-past-chivas-1-0/32723701/ |url-status=live }} The return leg remained scoreless until the second half, which saw three goals from Chivas to win the match 3–0.{{cite news |last=Marshall |first=Tom |date=14 March 2018 |title=Chivas restore some Liga MX pride with classy defeat of Seattle Sounders |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3420673/classy-chivas-restore-some-liga-mx-pride-with-defeat-of-seattle |publisher=ESPN |access-date=11 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411175154/http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3420673/classy-chivas-restore-some-liga-mx-pride-with-defeat-of-seattle |url-status=live }} Chivas advanced to the final on a 1–0 aggregate win over the New York Red Bulls in the semi-finals. Isaác Brizuela scored the lone goal of the series in the first leg, played in Guadalajara, while the second leg in New Jersey ended scoreless.{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Dylan |date=5 April 2018 |title=Red Bulls fall to Chivas in Champions League semis first leg |url=http://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-red-bulls-fall-to-chivas-in-champions-league-semis-first-leg-20180405-story.html |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=11 April 2018 |archive-date=11 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411174841/http://www.chicagotribune.com/90minutes/mls/ct-90mins-red-bulls-fall-to-chivas-in-champions-league-semis-first-leg-20180405-story.html |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last=Mendola |first=Nicholas |date=11 April 2018 |title=Red Bulls lament "almost impossible" failure to advance past Chivas |url=http://soccer.nbcsports.com/2018/04/11/red-bulls-lament-almost-impossible-failure-to-advance-past-chivas/ |publisher=NBC Sports |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-date=14 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180414124005/http://soccer.nbcsports.com/2018/04/11/red-bulls-lament-almost-impossible-failure-to-advance-past-chivas/ |url-status=live }}

The final was played in a home-and-away two-legged series, with the team with the better performance in previous rounds hosting the second leg.

If the aggregate score was tied after the second leg, the away goals rule would be applied, and if still tied, a penalty shoot-out would be used to determine the winner.{{cite web|url=https://res.cloudinary.com/concacaf-production/image/upload/v1517893047/championsleage-prod/assets/2018_Scotiabank_CONCACAF_Champions_League_Regulations.pdf|title=Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League 2018 Regulations – English Edition|publisher=CONCACAF|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-date=8 February 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180208124123/https://res.cloudinary.com/concacaf-production/image/upload/v1517893047/championsleage-prod/assets/2018_Scotiabank_CONCACAF_Champions_League_Regulations.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{:2018 CONCACAF Champions League|transcludesection=Final Performance Table}}

Both legs of the final were broadcast in English on TSN2 in Canada and in Spanish on Univision Deportes in the United States, where it was also aired on sister station UniMás. Fox Sports broadcast in Mexico and the rest of Latin America.{{cite press release |date=19 February 2018 |title=TSN Follows Toronto FC's Complete Run Through the 2018 CONCACAF Champions League |url=https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-follows-toronto-fc-s-complete-run-through-the-2018-concacaf-champions-league-1.1004030 |publisher=TSN |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-date=17 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417105426/https://www.tsn.ca/tsn-follows-toronto-fc-s-complete-run-through-the-2018-concacaf-champions-league-1.1004030 |url-status=live }}{{cite news |date=16 April 2018 |title=Toronto FC vs. Chivas: horario final de la Concacaf Champions League |language=es |trans-title=Toronto FC vs. Chivas: CONCACAF Champions League finals schedule |url=https://www.univision.com/deportes/futbol/liga-campeones-concacaf/toronto-fc-vs-chivas-horario-final-de-la-concacaf-champions-league |publisher=Univision Deportes |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-date=17 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417111230/https://www.univision.com/deportes/futbol/liga-campeones-concacaf/toronto-fc-vs-chivas-horario-final-de-la-concacaf-champions-league |url-status=live }}{{cite press release |date=23 April 2018 |title=Univision Deportes to Air Historic CONCACAF Champions League Final Featuring C.D. Guadalajara and Toronto FC |url=https://corporate.univision.com/corporate/press/2018/04/23/univision-deportes-to-air-historic-concacaf-champions-league-final-featuring-c-d-guadalajara-and-toronto-fc/ |publisher=Univision |access-date=27 April 2018 |archive-date=28 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180428181959/https://corporate.univision.com/corporate/press/2018/04/23/univision-deportes-to-air-historic-concacaf-champions-league-final-featuring-c-d-guadalajara-and-toronto-fc/ |url-status=live }} Go90 also streamed the games in English in the United States.{{cite news |last=Butler |first=Dylan |date=16 April 2018 |title=Toronto FC vs. Guadalajara: Concacaf Champions League Match Preview |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/04/16/toronto-fc-vs-guadalajara-concacaf-champions-league-match-preview |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=16 April 2018 |archive-date=17 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180417111318/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/04/16/toronto-fc-vs-guadalajara-concacaf-champions-league-match-preview |url-status=live }}

The first leg was hosted in Toronto at BMO Field on 17 April, where the kickoff temperature was {{convert|1|C|F}} and snow flurries fell through the match. Prior to the match, the new Champions League trophy was unveiled by CONCACAF officials.{{cite news |last=Armstrong |first=Laura |date=17 April 2018 |title=Toronto FC digs hole in first leg of CONCACAF Champions League final |url=https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2018/04/17/toronto-fc-digs-hole-in-first-leg-of-concacaf-champions-league-final.html |work=Toronto Star |access-date=25 April 2018 |archive-date=26 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426212953/https://www.thestar.com/sports/tfc/2018/04/17/toronto-fc-digs-hole-in-first-leg-of-concacaf-champions-league-final.html |url-status=live }}

Chivas took the lead in the second minute on a goal scored by Rodolfo Pizarro, during an attack that originated from a throw-in by Isaác Brizuela, who assisted Pizarro's goal. Toronto's Jonathan Osorio scored the equalizing goal in the 19th minute, finishing an attack started by Mark Delgado deep in the midfield. Toronto took control of possession and shooting chances through to halftime, but failed to score after two saves by Chivas's backup goalkeeper Miguel Jiménez.{{cite news |last=Platt |first=Oliver |date=17 April 2018 |title=Toronto FC in trouble as Chivas conquers the cold |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/toronto-fc-chivas-recap/ |work=Pro Soccer USA |publisher=Tronc |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418093211/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/toronto-fc-chivas-recap/ |url-status=dead }} During the first half, Toronto's Jozy Altidore vomited several times on the pitch — the cause being a "stomach bug" that several Toronto players reportedly received in the semi-finals against América.{{cite news |last=Grossi |first=James |date=18 April 2018 |title=Travel, injury, illness: CCL "grind" taking a toll on Altidore, Toronto FC |url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/04/18/travel-injury-illness-ccl-grind-taking-toll-altidore-toronto-fc |work=MLSsoccer.com |access-date=28 April 2018 |archive-date=29 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429222232/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/04/18/travel-injury-illness-ccl-grind-taking-toll-altidore-toronto-fc |url-status=live }} Chivas regained partial control of the match in the second half, alternating attacks with Toronto as both teams sought to take the lead.{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=17 April 2018 |title=Chivas Guadalajara surprise Toronto FC to gain vital first-leg lead |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3461212/chivas-guadalajara-surprise-toronto-fc-to-gain-vital-first-leg-lead |publisher=ESPN |access-date=28 April 2018 |archive-date=29 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429160256/http://www.espn.com/soccer/concacaf-champions-league/0/blog/post/3461212/chivas-guadalajara-surprise-toronto-fc-to-gain-vital-first-leg-lead |url-status=live }} Chivas scored the match's winning goal in the 72nd minute on a free kick by Alan Pulido, which was misread by goalkeeper Alex Bono and ended up in the far side of the goal.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=17 April 2018 |title=Toronto FC falls to Chivas in first leg of Concacaf Champions League finals, 2–1 |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2018/04/17/toronto-fc-falls-to-chivas-in-first-leg-of-concacaf-champions-league-finals-2-1/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=17 April 2018 |archive-date=18 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180418120219/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2018/04/17/toronto-fc-falls-to-chivas-in-first-leg-of-concacaf-champions-league-finals-2-1/ |url-status=live }} Toronto failed to finish in its later attacks, which also included a no-call penalty for an alleged foul on Sebastian Giovinco.{{cite magazine |last=Creditor |first=Avi |date=17 April 2018 |title=Wasteful Toronto FC Concedes Two Killer Goals in Dropping First Leg of CCL Final |url=https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/04/17/toronto-fc-chivas-ccl-final-first-leg-osorio-altidore-giovinco-pizarro-pulido |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=28 April 2018 |archive-date=29 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429160041/https://www.si.com/soccer/2018/04/17/toronto-fc-chivas-ccl-final-first-leg-osorio-altidore-giovinco-pizarro-pulido |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/article/sccl-2018-toronto-fc-v-cd-guadalajara-recap|title=Guadalajara takes 2–1 advantage home after 1st leg of SCCL final|publisher=CONCACAF Champions League|date=18 April 2018|access-date=21 April 2018|archive-date=10 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200910154032/https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/article/sccl-2018-toronto-fc-v-cd-guadalajara-recap|url-status=live}}

{{Football box

|id = Toronto FC v Guadalajara

|date = {{Start date|2018|4|17|df=y}}

|time = 20:15 ({{UTZ|20:15|-4}})

|team1 = Toronto FC {{fbaicon|CAN}}

|score = 1–2

|team2 = {{fbaicon|MEX}} Guadalajara

|goals1 =

• Osorio {{goal|19}}

|goals2 =

• Pizarro {{goal|2}}
• Pulido {{goal|72}}

|stadium = BMO Field, Toronto

|attendance = 29,925{{cite news |last=Strong |first=Gregory |date=17 April 2018 |title=Chivas Guadalajara edges Toronto FC 2–1 in opener of two-leg final |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/sports-pmn/chivas-guadalajara-edges-toronto-fc-2-1-in-opener-of-two-leg-final |work=The National Post |agency=The Canadian Press |access-date=17 April 2018}}

|referee = Ricardo Montero (Costa Rica)

|report = https://www.concacaf.com/en/champions-league/game-details?matchid=424601

}}

|valign="top"|300px

|valign="top" width="50%"|

|}

The second leg was hosted in Guadalajara at Estadio Akron on 25 April. Toronto fielded some midfielders and wingbacks in defensive roles due to injuries, including captain Michael Bradley and right back Gregory van der Wiel; midfielder Víctor Vázquez returned from injury to start the match.{{cite news |last=Platt |first=Oliver |date=26 April 2018 |title=Toronto FC loses to Chivas after penalty shootout in Concacaf Champions League heartbreaker |url=https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/toronto-fc-chivas-champions-league-recap/ |work=Pro Soccer USA |publisher=Tronc |access-date=26 April 2018 |archive-date=26 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426150607/https://www.prosoccerusa.com/mls/toronto-fc-chivas-champions-league-recap/ |url-status=dead }} Chivas extended their aggregate lead to 3–1 on a goal scored by Orbelín Pineda in the 19th minute. Toronto responded with two goals in the 25th and 44th minutes by Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco, bringing the series level on aggregate. The 2–1 lead for Toronto held through to the end of the second half, despite chances from both teams, including a missed shot by Toronto's Mark Delgado.{{cite news |date=25 April 2018 |title=Soccer: Guadalajara beat Toronto on penalties to win Champions league |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-concacaf/soccer-guadalajara-beat-toronto-on-penalties-to-win-champions-league-idUSKBN1HX0EW |publisher=Reuters |access-date=26 April 2018 |archive-date=26 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426113139/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-soccer-concacaf/soccer-guadalajara-beat-toronto-on-penalties-to-win-champions-league-idUSKBN1HX0EW |url-status=live }} The final was decided in a penalty shoot-out, which was won 4–2 by Guadalajara after four rounds. All four of Chivas's penalty takers scored, while Toronto's Jonathan Osorio and Michael Bradley both missed.{{cite news |last=Carlisle |first=Jeff |date=26 April 2018 |title=Bradley's missed penalty not a true reflection of Toronto FC's campaign |url=http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/toronto-fc/7318/blog/post/3472219/michael-bradleys-missed-penalty-not-a-true-reflection-of-toronto-fc-campaign |publisher=ESPN |access-date=28 April 2018 |archive-date=27 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427203053/http://www.espn.com/soccer/club/toronto-fc/7318/blog/post/3472219/michael-bradleys-missed-penalty-not-a-true-reflection-of-toronto-fc-campaign |url-status=live }}{{cite web|url=https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/article/chivas-v-toronto-fc-recap|title=Guadalajara wins SCCL title for first time with shootout win over Toronto FC|publisher=CONCACAF Champions League|date=25 April 2018|access-date=29 April 2018|archive-date=27 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180427120151/https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/article/chivas-v-toronto-fc-recap|url-status=live}}

{{Football box

|id = Guadalajara v Toronto FC

|date = {{Start date|2018|4|25|df=y}}

|time = 21:30 ({{UTZ|20:30|-5}})

|team1 = Guadalajara {{fbaicon|MEX}}

|score = 1–2

|team2 = {{fbaicon|CAN}} Toronto FC

|goals1 =

• Pineda {{goal|19}}

|goals2 =

• Altidore {{goal|25}}
• Giovinco {{goal|44}}

|penaltyscore = 4–2

|penalties1 =

• Alanís {{pengoal}}
• Godínez {{pengoal}}
• Pulido {{pengoal}}
• Zaldívar {{pengoal}}

|penalties2 =

• {{pengoal}} Giovinco
• {{penmiss}} Osorio
• {{pengoal}} Delgado
• {{penmiss}} Bradley

|stadium = Estadio Akron, Guadalajara

|attendance = 36,977{{cite web|url=https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-04-25-cd-guadalajara-vs-toronto-fc/boxscore|title=Boxscore: CD Guadalajara vs Toronto FC|work=MLSsoccer.com|date=25 April 2018|access-date=28 April 2018|archive-date=29 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429155135/https://matchcenter.mlssoccer.com/matchcenter/2018-04-25-cd-guadalajara-vs-toronto-fc/boxscore|url-status=dead}}

|referee = Óscar Moncada (Honduras)

|report = https://www.concacaf.com/en/champions-league/game-details?matchid=424602

}}

|valign="top"|300px

|valign="top" width="50%"|

|}

Guadalajara's win was the thirteenth consecutive Champions League or Champions' Cup title won by a Mexican team.{{cite news |last=Goff |first=Steven |date=26 April 2018 |title=MLS heartbreak: Toronto FC falls to Chivas on penalty kicks in Concacaf Champions League |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2018/04/26/mls-heartbreak-toronto-fc-falls-to-chivas-on-penalty-kicks-in-concacaf-champions-league/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |access-date=26 April 2018 |archive-date=26 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180426144604/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/soccer-insider/wp/2018/04/26/mls-heartbreak-toronto-fc-falls-to-chivas-on-penalty-kicks-in-concacaf-champions-league/ |url-status=live }} As a result, Guadalajara qualified for the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup as CONCACAF's representative.

Toronto FC's Jonathan Osorio and Sebastian Giovinco won the tournament's Golden Boot and Golden Ball, respectively.{{cite news|url=https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/04/26/toronto-fcs-giovinco-wins-ccl-golden-ball-award-osorio-wins-golden-boot|title=Toronto FC's Giovinco wins CCL Golden Ball award; Osorio wins Golden Boot|work=MLSsoccer.com|date=26 April 2018|access-date=26 April 2018|archive-date=23 June 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180623114838/https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/04/26/toronto-fcs-giovinco-wins-ccl-golden-ball-award-osorio-wins-golden-boot|url-status=live}} Guadalajara's Rodolfo Cota and Rodolfo Pizarro won the tournament's Golden Glove and the Best Young Player, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/golden-glove|title=Golden Glove|publisher=CONCACAF.com|date=25 April 2018|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807033022/https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/golden-glove|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/young-player-award|title=Young Player Award|publisher=CONCACAF.com|date=25 April 2018|access-date=10 May 2018|archive-date=7 August 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180807063351/https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en/young-player-award|url-status=dead}}

{{reflist}}

• {{Official website|https://www.concacafchampionsleague.com/en}}

{{CONCACAF Champions League seasons}}

{{2017–18 in North and Central America, and Caribbean football (CONCACAF)}}

{{Toronto FC matches}}

{{C.D. Guadalajara matches}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Concacaf Champions League Final 2018}}

2018

*Final

Category:April 2018 sports events in North America

Category:Toronto FC matches

Category:C.D. Guadalajara matches

Category:2018 in Canadian soccer

Category:2017–18 in Mexican football

Category:Football in Guadalajara, Jalisco

Category:Soccer competitions in Toronto

Category:2018 in Toronto

Category:21st century in Guadalajara, Jalisco

Category:International club association football competitions hosted by Canada

Category:International club association football competitions hosted by Mexico

Category:Soccer matches in Canada