What Is 2013 CONCACAF Champions League Final

Overview

The 2013 CONCACAF Champions League Final marked a historic showdown between Club Santos Laguna of Mexico and Seattle Sounders FC of the United States. It was the first time a Major League Soccer (MLS) team reached the final since 2011, and the two-leg series drew significant attention across North America.

The competition, organized by CONCACAF, determines the region’s top club to represent in the FIFA Club World Cup. In this edition, Santos Laguna emerged victorious, capturing their first continental title after a hard-fought battle.

• Santos Laguna won 5–3 on aggregate after defeating Seattle Sounders FC over two legs, marking a milestone in the club’s history.
• The first leg on April 24, 2013 took place at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, where Santos secured a crucial 2–1 away win.
• The second leg on May 1, 2013 was held at Estadio Corona in Torreón, Mexico, in front of a passionate home crowd.
• Seattle Sounders FC became the third MLS team to reach the final, following in the footsteps of LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake.
• Santos Laguna advanced after defeating Deportivo Toluca in the semifinals, while Seattle eliminated C.F. Monterrey to reach the final.

How It Works

The CONCACAF Champions League follows a knockout format with home-and-away ties, culminating in a two-leg final. Teams earn qualification through domestic league or cup performance across North and Central America and the Caribbean.

• Qualification: Clubs qualify based on league standings or national cup results. In 2013, MLS sent four teams, including the Supporters' Shield winner and U.S. Open Cup champion.
• Tournament Format: The competition begins with a group stage, followed by a knockout phase with home-and-away semifinals and finals.
• Aggregate Scoring: The winner is determined by total goals over two legs. Away goals count as a tiebreaker, and extra time and penalties follow if needed.
• Home Advantage: The second leg is hosted by the higher-seeded team. In 2013, Santos hosted the decisive second match due to better group stage performance.
• CONCACAF Representation: The winner earns the right to represent the region at the FIFA Club World Cup, competing against continental champions from other confederations.
• Refereeing Standards: Matches are officiated by CONCACAF-appointed referees, often from neutral countries to ensure fairness and consistency.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of the two finalists across key performance and structural metrics:

The table highlights structural differences between the clubs, including league strength, fan base size, and continental experience. While Seattle had a larger stadium and strong MLS support, Santos Laguna’s experience in high-pressure Liga MX matches proved decisive in the final legs. The outcome underscored Mexico’s dominance in the competition during that era.

Why It Matters

The 2013 final had lasting implications for club football in North America, especially for MLS ambitions on the continental stage. It emphasized the gap between Mexican and American clubs in international competitions at the time.

• Santos Laguna’s victory extended Mexico’s dominance, as Mexican clubs had won the last seven CONCACAF titles up to that point.
• Seattle’s run demonstrated MLS progress, showing that American teams could compete deep into the tournament.
• The final drew over 35,000 fans in Torreón, highlighting the passionate support for continental club football in Mexico.
• MLS clubs intensified investment in youth and tactics after 2013, aiming to close the gap with Liga MX teams.
• The match was broadcast in over 150 countries, increasing visibility for CONCACAF’s premier club competition.
• Santos qualified for the 2013 FIFA Club World Cup, where they lost to Al-Ahly but gained global exposure.

The 2013 CONCACAF Champions League Final remains a landmark moment in regional football history, symbolizing both Mexican excellence and the growing competitiveness of MLS.