Carlos Vela Rooting For Mexican Teams In CONCACAF Champions League

Mexico international Carlos Vela is rooting for clubs in the Liga MX during this season’s CONCACAF Champions League. The 29-year-old became Los Angeles FC’s first recruit late last year, but he is still hopeful that his native country’s clubs prevail in the Champions League. Three MLS clubs — the New York Red Bulls, Seattle Sounders, and Toronto FC — presently have their upper hand over their Liga MX rivals, but the tie is very much on with a second leg left to play.

Speaking to reporters, Vela believes Mexican clubs could still make an impact in the continental competition, and he is backing Tigres to overcome Toronto despite a 2-1 deficit from the first-leg, he said:“I don’t know [if I’m surprised]. Obviously, the teams in Mexico are strong, it’s a very competitive league and the [series] aren’t over. I think in Mexico, things will change. Above all, I think Tigres [can overturn the deficit], the current [Liga MX] champion and a team that has been in finals or winning for a number of years. It’s one of the strongest teams in the tournament and it’ll be hard-fought.”

Despite showing the favouritism, Vela admits that MLS has improved drastically in terms of quality and infrastructure in recent years, and the Mexican clubs cannot just walk over their opposition, as in the past, he added: “I hope the Mexican teams win because I prefer teams from my country to win.”Tigres, Tijuana and Chivas are presently trailing in their respective matches against MLS outfit, but Club America are cruising towards the semi-finals after clinching a comfortable 4-0 triumph over Panama’s Tauro.

Meanwhile, talking about Mexico, Vela has been called up by the national side for their upcoming friendlies against Iceland and Croatia. Iceland, in particular, are without an influence player in Gylfi Sigurdsson in their ranks, but El Tri can still expect a tricky against the European nation, who became the smallest country ever to qualify for the World Cup.