📅 Round I – First Leg Recap**
The opening leg delivered surprises, dominant wins, tight battles, and early advantages that will shape the decisive second leg.
(1) Universitario (PER) 4–1 (16) Chelsea (UK)
A commanding performance from the Peruvian giants. Universitario take a strong 3-goal cushion into London for the return leg. Chelsea will need something special to turn this around.
(8) Barcelona (SPA) 2–1 (9) Alianza Lima (PER)
A tense and balanced fixture. Barcelona edge ahead, but Alianza Lima’s away goal keeps the tie open heading into the second leg in Lima.
(4) Sporting Cristal (PER) 0–2 (13) Atlético Grau (PER)
A major upset in the all-Peruvian showdown. Atlético Grau stun higher-seeded Sporting Cristal with a perfectly executed away victory. Cristal face a difficult two-goal deficit.
(5) Santa Fe (COL) 3–2 (12) Hong Kong FC (HK)
A thrilling match decided by the slimmest of margins. Santa Fe hold a narrow lead, but Hong Kong FC scored twice and remain very much alive heading into the second leg at home.
(2) Cienciano (PER) 0–1 (15) Deportivo Saprissa (CTR)
Saprissa grab a huge away win, showing discipline and efficiency. Cienciano now travel to Costa Rica needing at least one goal to stay in contention.
(7) Deportivo Cali (COL) 3–0 (10) Manchester United (UK)
A statement victory from Deportivo Cali. They completely neutralize Manchester United and take a dominant three-goal aggregate lead into Old Trafford.
(3) Valencia (SPA) 6–0 (14) San Jose (USA)
The most dominant performance of the round. Valencia explode for six goals and virtually secure their place in the next stage. San Jose face an enormous mountain to climb.
(6) Bolognesi (PER) 1–2 (11) Sport Boys (PER)
Sport Boys secure a valuable away win in this Peruvian clash. Bolognesi kept it close but now must win in the second leg to advance.
🔥 Summary of 1st Leg Trends
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Biggest win: Valencia 6–0 San Jose
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Biggest upset: Atlético Grau defeating Sporting Cristal 2–0 away
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Closest tie: Santa Fe vs Hong Kong FC (3–2)
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Most endangered favorite: Manchester United (down 0–3)
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Most secure lead: Valencia (+6)
⏭️ Coming Up – Second Leg (Nov 25)
Everything now shifts to the reverse fixtures, where:
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Universitario, Valencia, and Deportivo Cali defend major leads
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Sporting Cristal and Manchester United face must-win situations
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Several matchups (Santa Fe–HK FC, Barcelona–Alianza Lima, Bolognesi–Sport Boys) remain wide open
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