FC Cincinnati continued its impressive run in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup by drawing 1-1 against FC Motagua on Wednesday night at TQL Stadium, securing advancement to the next round with an aggregate score of 5-2.
The match kicked off dramatically, with Motagua stunning the Cincinnati crowd just ten minutes in. Argentine forward Rodrigo Auzmendi seized on a cross from Jonathan Núñez, volleying home to give the Honduran side early hope of mounting a remarkable comeback after losing the first leg 4-1.
Yet, Cincinnati, bolstered by their home fans, was unperturbed. Just nine minutes later, Kévin Denkey, a key acquisition from Club Brugge, equalized for Cincinnati. After receiving a pass from Corey Baird, Denkey made no mistake, slotting the ball past the Motagua keeper to level the score at 1-1.
The Togolese striker's ability to find the net was just another example of the dividends Cincinnati's significant investment has begun to yield — his transfer fee reportedly eclipsing $16 million, one of the highest in MLS history. His performance has certainly cemented his place as one of the team’s most valuable assets.
Cincinnati's domination became evident after the equalizer, as they controlled possession and looked to build on their lead rather than allowing Motagua to regain momentum. Despite several attempts by the Honduran side to press forward, Cincinnati’s defensively solid performance, led by players like Alvas Powell and Miles Robinson, restricted Motagua's scoring opportunities.
With this match, Cincinnati capitalized on the momentum from their first leg victory. They showcased both their attacking prowess and defensive resilience, which they will need as they prepare to face formidable opposition next round. The MLS squad has not only performed well domestically but has shown determination on the international stage.
The next challenge for Cincinnati will be against Tigres UANL, the 2020 champions of the Concacaf Champions Cup. The matches are set to be held between March 4 and March 14, and Cincinnati is expected to approach this tie with confidence, having demonstrated their capabilities against Motagua.
The draw might not have been the emphatic victory Cincinnati fans were hoping for, but it secured their place in the next round of the tournament. The club has shown it can navigate through pressure situations effectively, a trait they will carry forward as they enter the knockouts.
On the other hand, Motagua’s exit from the tournament marks yet another chapter of missed opportunities against MLS teams, continuing from their ten-match winless streak against American clubs since 2008.
With the crowd's energy and their home-field advantage behind them, Cincinnati is eager to take on their upcoming battles, with players like Denkey ready to make their mark on this season's Concacaf Champions Cup.
Fans who wish to catch the upcoming games can look forward to electrifying encounters as Cincinnati aims to make strides toward the ultimate prize: the Concacaf Champions Cup trophy.