FINAL SCORE, Toronto FC 1, Chivas 2: The Rebaño Sagrado achieved a massive result in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Final. Chivas took an early lead through Rodolfo Pizarro before Jonathan Osorio leveled the score at 1-1. Toronto FC then took control of the match but a goal from Alan Pulido changed everything when a free-kick nestled into the back of the net. From there on, Chivas looked like the most dangerous side, but failed to capitalize on a number of breakaway opportunities. Both teams will meet again next Wednesday at the Estadio Akron.

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Toronto FC 1, Chivas 2: Golazo! Alex Bono misjudges a cross-shot from an Alan Pulido free-kick, and the ball nestles into the back of the net to give Chivas the lead.

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Halftime Update: Chivas started almost perfectly after taking the lead in under two minutes through Rodolfo Pizarro. However, after Jonathan Osorio leveled for the hosts, it was all Toronto FC, who had numerous chances to take the lead. Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco have imposed their game, and they have made it tough for Chivas’ defense, especially youngster Alejandro Mayorga.

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Toronto FC 1, Chivas 1: Marky Delgado serves good cross from the left and Jonathan Osorio is there to level things at one.

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Toronto FC 0, Chivas 1: The Rebaño strike fast. After a throw-in, Chivas take advantage of some laxed defending and Rodolfo Pizarro fires home.

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Lineups

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How To Watch

Date: Tuesday, April 17

Time: 5:00pm Pacific, 7:00pm Central, 8:00pm Eastern

Venue: BMO Field, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

TV: Univision Deportes Network (US - Spanish), FOX Sports Cono Norte (Mexico), TSN2 (Canada)

Streaming: fuboTV (Free trial + monthly subscription), Sling TV (free trial + monthly subscription), Univision NOW (Free trial + monthly subscription)

Listings via LiveSoccerTV.com

Chivas will play in Toronto for the first time in an unfamiliar stadium with an unfamiliar environment, all while being the underdog in the matchup.

It’s no secret Toronto is the stronger team, after beating the most consistent and expensive team in the Liga MX in Tigres and the most successful and recognized team in Club America.

Now, Greg Vanney and his side must attempt to dispatch the most popular team in Mexico and in the States. Unfortunately for Chivas, they won’t be able to take advantage of their popularity in the first leg, because they will be in Canada.

Chivas find themselves near the bottom of the Liga MX table and have completely missed their chances to make the playoffs, so it’s CCL title or bust for El Rebaño Sagrado.

This will be the first international final for Toronto, while Chivas finds themselves in their first final in an international competition since losing the 2010 Copa Libertadores final against Internacional Porto Alegre. Three years prior, Chivas also lost to Pachuca in the 2007 CCL final. They haven’t won an international title since 1962.

So, which team gets the job done? Both lineups are relatively new to the international final scene, both achieved a slew of titles in 2017, both have their respective countries and league on their backs. It will be a final for the ages. It’s been a long time since we’ve seen a final that doesn’t include two Mexican teams, and never has the MLS team been favored.

Players to Watch: There is only one player for Chivas that knows what its like to be on this stage. That player is Isaac Brizuela, who lost the 2014 CCL final against Cruz Azul as part of Toluca. His experience will be more than valuable. A very young team, Chivas has no other players that know what its like to play in an international final scene, not even Pulido or Pizarro. With his quickness and agility, Brizuela has the potential to be a nightmare for wingers everywhere and get things started on the attack.

Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

As for Toronto, there is one player that, with his goals, can lead The Reds all the way to the promise land. That man is American international Jozy Altidore. The former Premier League striker has become a legendary icon in Toronto in just three seasons. He has scored 51 goals in all competitions and is the second-highest goalscorer in the club’s history. Not to mention, his impressive frame and strength will be key to shake off weaker Chivas players and get to the opposing box.

Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images

Two games. One winner. The stakes? Recognition as the continent’s elite club, league glory, and a ticket to the 2018 FIFA Club World Cup.