Champions League Countdown | 9 Days: How Monterrey has fared against MLS opposition

The most important series in Sporting Kansas City’s international history is just around the corner. On April 4 and 11, Manager Peter Vermes’ side will battle Mexican giants CF Monterrey in the 2019 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Semifinals. The second leg is slated for 8 p.m. CT on April 11 at Children’s Mercy Park, with tickets now on sale at SeatGeek.com.
In the buildup to this titanic clash, SportingKC.com is relaunching the Champions League Countdown to give readers a comprehensive look at Sporting’s semifinal opponent. This 10-part series, running from March 25 to April 3, will shed light on all things Monterrey—ranging from players to watch and recent performances to past history in the Champions League and more.

In Monday's edition of the relaunched Champions League Countdown, we looked back at Monterrey's astonishing success in North America's premier club competition. Rayados have won the Champions League in three of their four tournament appearances, building a dynasty under former head coach Victor Manuel Vucetich from 2011-2013 with three consecutive titles.

Monterrey owns an eye-popping 29-6-7 record in the competition's modern era, including a 17-2-2 home mark split between the now-demolished Estadio Tecnologico and the new, state-of-the-art Estadio BBVA Bancomer. Rayados not only appear formidable in their current iteration, occupying third place in Liga MX with the stingiest defense in Mexico, but they also have recent history on their side as they pursue a fourth Champions League triumph.

This time around, let's examine Rayados' past performances against MLS clubs since the modern era of the Champions League began in 2008.

Before listing out each of Monterrey's matchups against MLS sides, here’s a general overview. Rayados are 7-2-1 versus MLS opponents, including a 3-1-1 mark at home and a 4-1-0 record on American soil.

These numbers alone suggest Sporting have a fighting shot at knocking off Monterrey in the semifinals early next month. After all, two previous MLS teams have scalped Rayados in the past, most recently when Atlanta United FC prevailed 1-0 on March 13 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Two MLS teams have also visited Monterrey and emerged with a result, namely Real Salt Lake in the first leg of the 2011 finals and Seattle Sounders FC in the 2011-12 group stage.

That said, Monterrey remain a perfect three-for-three in two-legged series versus MLS opposition.

Monterrey vs. MLS opposition (7-2-1 // 16 GF, 8 GA) 
(Champions League modern era since 2008)