Facing a 2-0 deficit after the first leg against the Vancouver Whitecaps, Inter Miami needs a significant turnaround to reach the Concacaf Champions Cup final. For Miami`s high-profile squad, this competition is a major target, and early elimination would be a considerable setback. However, Vancouver, led by Jesper Sorensen, has shown they are well-prepared for this challenge.
Miami previously overcame a first-leg deficit against Los Angeles FC in the quarterfinals, securing a 3-2 aggregate win. However, the Vancouver side appears more resilient than LAFC, suggesting a collapse is less likely. To succeed, Miami must dominate the midfield and reignite Luis Suarez`s scoring form, as winning the tournament may be too much for Lionel Messi alone.
What`s at Stake
This match is historically significant for both clubs, as neither has previously reached a Champions Cup final. For Inter Miami, despite their Leagues Cup win with Messi, securing another trophy is crucial to validate their project`s success. Coach Javier Mascherano stressed the importance of the tie before the first leg, and trailing makes the return leg even more critical.
With Messi and other stars, Miami was expected to dominate all competitions. However, their league performance hasn`t translated into consistent success in cup tournaments or playoffs. Repeating last season`s semifinal exit (where they lost to the Columbus Crew) after losing key depth players would inevitably raise questions about the squad`s suitability for competing on multiple fronts.
Will Luis Suarez Start Scoring?
Last season, much of Inter Miami`s success revolved around Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. This season, Suarez has experienced a scoring drought, failing to score in eight games and without a goal involvement in six. While he contributed as a creator earlier in the season, Miami now urgently needs goals from the veteran striker. The departure of Leonardo Campana leaves no proven alternative center-forward, exposing a vulnerability for Miami.
Predicted Lineups
Inter Miami:
Oscar Ustari, Jordi Alba, Noah Allen, Maximiliano Falcon, Marcelo Weigandt, Tadeo Allende, Yannick Bright, Sergio Busquets, Benjamin Cremaschi, Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi
Vancouver Whitecaps:
Yohei Takaoka, Edier Ocampo, Tristan Blackmon, Ranko Veselinovic, Tate Johnson, Sebastian Berhalter, Andres Cubas, Pedro Vite, Daniel Rios, Brian White, Ali Ahmed
Player to Watch
Sebastian Berhalter, Vancouver Whitecaps: Sebastian Berhalter stood out in the first leg against Miami, capping his performance with a goal. His defensive awareness was evident, notably dispossessing Messi in the box. Berhalter is enjoying a breakout season with three goals and an assist across competitions. His improved game reading allows him to make timely runs into the box, contributing significantly to Vancouver`s attack. Alongside Andres Cubas and Pedro Vite, Berhalter is a key component of Vancouver`s increasingly formidable midfield.
Storyline to Watch
Will history repeat itself?: The key question is whether history will repeat itself. While Vancouver holds a strong lead, they cannot afford complacency. LAFC`s experience shows a lead, even with an away goal, wasn`t enough to stop Miami`s comeback. Vancouver will seek an early goal to solidify their advantage but must brace for intense pressure from Miami throughout the match. Goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka will be crucial in weathering the expected offensive push. Overcoming a two-goal deficit is challenging, but Miami possesses the talent to make it possible.
Prediction
Prediction: Brian White is predicted to score for Vancouver again, which would require Miami to score four goals to advance. While Miami will likely push hard and score, scoring four against a well-organized Vancouver defense seems too difficult a task. The prediction is a 2-1 win for Inter Miami in the second leg, resulting in Vancouver advancing on aggregate, adding another disappointing cup exit to Miami`s record. Predicted Score: Inter Miami 2, Vancouver Whitecaps 1 (Vancouver advances on aggregate)
