Mexican side Cruz Azul humbled an overly ambitious Haitian team Real Hope Football Academy 2-0 in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup’s Round One at Cibao Stadium in the Dominican Republic on Tuesday night.
In their first-ever appearance in the competition, Real Hope’s players relied heavily on excessive dribbling and flashy long passes, which often failed. The defenders also tried casual plays out of the back but struggled to connect effectively with the midfield. In contrast, Cruz Azul demonstrated disciplined, one-touch football (soccer), showcasing their experience and tactical superiority.
Costly mistakes for Real Hope
The Haitian team’s players’ overconfidence cost them the first goal in the 38th minute when center-back Huguens Michel’s acrobatic clearance fell directly to Ángel Sepúlveda, who calmly slotted it into the bottom right corner.
Later, in the 83rd minute, an overly eager Jimmylson Guillaume headed the ball into his own net during a corner kick, sealing the defeat.
A lesson in Champions Cup tactics
The Champions Cup is North and Central America’s most prestigious soccer competition. Real Hope’s zeal to prove themselves in their debut backfired as the team attempted risky plays against a more seasoned opponent.
Cruz Azul, with six Champions Cup titles under their belt, played a methodical game, dominating possession (62%) by maintaining simple passing sequences and avoiding unnecessary dribbles. They outshot Real Hope 21-6, with the Haitian side managing only one shot on target.
Real Hope qualified for the Champions Cup after finishing third in the Concacaf Caribbean Cup, accumulating a record of four wins, two losses and two draws.
Before Real Hope Football Academy, another Haitian side, Violette Athletic Club, played in the Concacaf Champions Cup in 2023. It was eliminated in the quarterfinals after losing to the Mexican side Club León, 6-2 on aggregate in a two-game series.
Early flashes but no fire
In the first half, Real Hope moved the ball swiftly and displayed technical prowess, attempting elaborate dribbles. Attacking midfielder Johnson Jeudy stood out, smoothly beating two defenders in the 27th minute. However, Cruz Azul quickly adapted and nearly scored after dispossessing Jeudy.
Star forward Angelo Éxilus lost the ball twice within a minute during the first half, while center-forward Watz Léazard struggled to position himself effectively, was caught offside, and was subbed out in the 60th minute.
Real Hope’s efforts to play out of the back in the second half frequently led to turnovers. Daniel Saint-Fleur’s difficult long pass attempt in the 61st minute epitomized their lack of fluidity.
Although Real Hope found the net in the 76th minute, the goal was ruled offside.
What’s next?
The two clubs will meet again on Feb. 11 at Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City. While Real Hope boasts talented players, they need to adopt a simpler, more disciplined approach when facing stronger opponents to stand a chance of advancing in the tournament.
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