CONCACAF Champions League: Monterrey beat Club America amid VAR controversy

Updated: May 17, 2023, 05:02 am
Monterrey celebrate their CONCACAF Champions League victory.
MIGUEL SIERRA/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Monterrey beat favorites Club America 1-0 to win an all-Mexican CONCACAF Champions League final on Thursday at the Estadio BBVA.

A ninth-minute goal from Rogelio Funes Mori was enough to settle the game for Monterrey, who were playing at home. The Argentina-born Mexico international scored from close range following an error from America defender Sebastian Caceres.

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There was some doubt as to whether Funes Mori was in an offside position when Jesus Gallardo crossed the ball into the area, but a VAR review adjudged Funes Mori to be onside following Caceres' attempted clearance.

America almost equalized deep into stoppage time but for a VAR review. Monterrey forward Maxi Meza appeared to handle the ball in his own penalty area following a rebound off the crossbar but the referee ended the game after checking the incident on the monitor.

It was a fifth title for Monterrey, after previously winning in 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2019, earning them a spot in the Club World Cup.