The 2021 CONCACAF Champions League was the kind of event that had you gripping the edge of your seat—or screaming at your TV, depending on which team you were rooting for. A riveting tournament that showcased the talent of North America, Central America, and the Caribbean's top soccer clubs, it took place between April 6 and October 28, 2021. The action was hosted in various stadiums across participating regions, offering a captivating mix of athletic genius and strategic brilliance. This competition was a showcase of which team would rise above the rest in the inherently politicized world of sports.
Number ten, start with the winners because that's what matters. Club Monterrey of Mexico stormed the competition, asserting their dominance like a freight train on a straight track. Their victory was their fifth title, because winning isn't just an option for them; it's a tradition. Monterrey demonstrated consistency and skill that was both commendable and predictable. It's almost as if Monterrey didn’t just come to play—they came to stay.
Number nine is the absolute chaos that erupted when it became clear that the American teams once again buckled under pressure. Major League Soccer teams like Columbus Crew, Atlanta United FC, and Philadelphia Union showcased why they are constantly under the microscope but failed to run away with a victory, proving yet again that U.S. teams could use a bit more backbone in international play.
Number eight has to be about the legacy of Mexico ruling the roost with a grand total of 16 out of 17 times a Mexican team took the cup. Tell me again why they're unbeatable? Right, they train to perfection, they know how to score, and they have a trust in tradition rather than progressive disruptions.
In at number seven, the underdogs. Remember Arcahaie FC from Haiti? This team might not have lifted the trophy, but they did leave an indelible impression by reaching the quarter-finals—a feat in itself. The resilience and grit displayed by the less flashy teams like this are what give the tournament its edge. But in a liberal soccer world, we can't have underdogs winning, can we?
Number six belongs to the inevitable politics of sports. From sanctioning Corona-safe matches to the travel restrictions that threw a wrench into planning, political motives were clear from the outset. It's the kind of meddling that makes purists sick of the sight of modern-day politics infecting sports.
Let's talk number five: social dynamics in the stands, or the lack thereof. Due to restrictions, fan attendance was uneven across different venues. Empty seats screamed irony as fans were denied not just the chance to watch live but the chance to share their passion. Passion that used to be about team and country, now stifled by fear and bureaucracy.
Number four, the sheer talent on display can never be underestimated. Players like Rogelio Funes Mori from Monterrey and Andre-Pierre Gignac from Tigres UANL dazzled on the field with their otherworldly skills. These players could give European stars a run for their money—and they'd likely do it on a fraction of the budget.
Landing at number three, VAR technology was both hero and villain. Sure, it's great when technology helps referees make the right decision, but the drama it creates—when much-needed goals are unceremoniously waved off—leaves fans with mixed feelings. The human error will always have its place in sports, no matter how much some people want to replace it with technology.
Number two, let's discuss the immense broadcasting value of the tournament. COUNCACAF Champions League matches are sought after by broadcasters precisely because of the immense talent and high-stakes drama. Yet, the rave reviews pale in comparison to the spectacle of fans being locked out, making one wonder whose interests are really being served.
Finally, at number one, the value of tradition. CONCACAF Champions League offers a glimpse into a world where excellence is not just aspirational—it's expected. In a sea of endless variables, the steadfastness of the competition's legacy assures us that sometimes, resisting the temptation to change everything is the best decision.
The 2021 CONCACAF Champions League was much more than a soccer tournament; it was a testament to tradition, talent, and political headwinds that keep the global heart of soccer beating, for better or worse.