📅 Round I – First Leg Recap**
Group B delivered goals, drama, away surprises, and several narrow battles that keep many ties wide open.
(1) Melgar (PER) 5–0 (16) Querétaro (MEX)
Melgar assert absolute dominance in the opener, scoring five and allowing none. With a five-goal margin, they head to Mexico with one of the safest advantages in the entire playoffs.
(8) Miami FC (USA) 1–3 (9) Internacional (BRA)
Internacional produce an excellent away performance, overturning Miami FC with a solid two-goal win. Miami FC face an uphill battle in Brazil.
(4) Columbus Crew (USA) 2–2 (13) Cerro Porteño (PAR)
One of the most evenly matched fixtures. Columbus led twice, but Cerro Porteño responded both times to secure a valuable draw. Everything remains completely open for the return leg in Paraguay.
(5) Boca Juniors (ARG) 4–2 (12) Kawasaki Frontale (JAP)
Boca take a two-goal advantage after a lively, high-scoring match. Kawasaki Frontale grabbed two important goals to keep themselves in the tie ahead of the second leg in Japan.
(2) Gamba Osaka (JAP) 4–3 (15) New England Revolution (USA)
A thriller with seven goals. Gamba Osaka edge out the Revs in a wild match, but New England’s strong showing means they return home with hope of overturning the one-goal deficit.
(7) Flamengo (BRA) 1–3 (10) Emelec (ECU)
A big upset in Rio. Emelec shock Flamengo with a disciplined and efficient away win. Flamengo now must attempt a turnaround in Ecuador under immense pressure.
(3) Houston Dynamo (USA) 3–0 (14) Unión Huaral (PER)
Houston Dynamo take care of business with a clean, professional 3–0 home win. Unión Huaral will need a near-perfect second leg to stay alive.
(6) River Plate (ARG) 4–3 (11) Chicago Fire (USA)
A frenetic, back-and-forth match. River Plate claim victory, but Chicago Fire’s three away goals keep the tie extremely interesting. The return leg in Chicago could go either way.
🔥 Summary of Group B First Leg
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Biggest Win: Melgar 5–0 Querétaro
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Biggest Upset: Emelec winning 3–1 at Flamengo
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Closest Match: Gamba Osaka vs New England Revolution (4–3)
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Most Wide-Open Ties:
• Columbus Crew vs Cerro Porteño
• River Plate vs Chicago Fire
• Gamba Osaka vs New England
⏭️ Second Leg on Nov 25
Expect drama as:
✔ Flamengo attempt a comeback in Ecuador
✔ Chicago Fire look to erase a one-goal loss with three away goals in hand
✔ Columbus Crew and Cerro Porteño settle a perfectly balanced matchup
✔ Boca, Houston, Melgar, and Emelec aim to finish the job
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