1st Leg Recap (November 23, 2025)**
The opening leg of the Group C playoffs delivered goals, drama, and several powerful statements from the higher-seeded clubs—though a few underdogs kept their hopes alive heading into the decisive second leg.
(1) Bolívar (BOL) 5–1 (16) York United (CND)
The top seed showed no mercy. Bolívar exploded for five goals and head into the second leg with a commanding +4 advantage. York United will need a miracle in Bolivia.
(8) Newell’s Old Boys (ARG) 3–2 (9) Atlético Madrid (SPA)
A tight and competitive clash sees Newell’s edge Atlético by one goal. This tie is very much alive with only a single-goal margin separating both sides.
(4) Newcastle United (UK) 8–1 (13) Unión Española (CHI)
Newcastle produced the biggest blowout of the day, completely overwhelming Unión Española. With a +7 goal cushion, the English side is all but through unless something historic occurs in the return leg.
(5) Hamburger SV (GER) 2–3 (12) LA Galaxy (USA)
One of the surprises of the round! Galaxy go to Germany and steal an away win. Hamburger SV must overturn a one-goal deficit in Los Angeles to stay alive.
(2) Cerezo Osaka (JAP) 1–4 (15) Borussia Dortmund (GER)
A massive shock here—15th-seed Dortmund put four past Cerezo Osaka. The Japanese giants are suddenly in a deep hole heading into the second leg.
(7) Manchester City (UK) 1–2 (10) Crystal Palace (UK)
An all-English duel ended with Palace grabbing an impressive victory. City now face pressure as they head into the second leg trailing by one.
(3) FC Tokyo (JAP) 4–0 (14) Austin FC (USA)
Tokyo dominate from start to finish, putting themselves in a perfect position to finish the job on the 25th.
(6) Urawa Reds (JAP) 3–1 (11) Vegalta Sendai (JAP)
A strong showing from Urawa gives them a two-goal edge heading into an all-Japanese rematch. Vegalta will need to be sharp in the second leg.
🔥 Summary of the Storylines Heading Into Leg 2
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Bolívar, Newcastle, and FC Tokyo hold major advantages and look close to advancing.
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Dortmund pulled off one of the biggest shocks with a 4–1 win away.
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LA Galaxy and Crystal Palace grabbed valuable away wins to flip their matchups.
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Newell’s vs Atlético Madrid remains the tightest tie, separated by only one goal.
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