MLS Inter Miami CF

One Year Ago Today: Diego Alonso and Rodolfo Pizarro Win CONCACAF Champions League

May 1, 2020 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Inter Miami CF News Release


One year ago today, on May 1, 2019, Mexican side C.F. Monterrey tied 1-1 playing at home against archrivals Tigres UANL in the second leg of the Concacaf Champions League final to clinch the title in a historic edition of the 'Clásico Regio.' At the time Diego Alonso, Inter Miami head coach, and Rodolfo Pizarro, Inter Miami attacking midfielder and Designated Player, were among the ranks of the Rayados. It was the second Concacaf Champions League title for both of them; for Pizarro as a player and for Alonso as a head coach, making him the only coach to date to win the competition with two different teams.

Despite his success in previous editions of the tournament, the Uruguayan coach's ambition and winning-mentality remain intact, as he aims to continue making history by becoming the first coach to win the Concacaf Champions League with three different clubs.

"The feeling of winning is wonderful. It is ephemeral, as it only lasts one day for me because I already want to win again. I am sure that I will win the Concacaf again," declared Alonso. "I think I'm the only coach in history who has won it with two different teams and I have set myself the challenge of winning it with Inter Miami for the third time."

Overall, Alonso has coached 20 Concacaf Champions League matches, which took place during his time as head coach of C.F. Pachuca and Monterrey, winning 11, drawing seven and only losing two.

On the road to winning the 2019 title, under the management of 'El Profe,' Monterrey knocked out Salvadoran team Alianza Fútbol Club with an aggregate score of 0-1 in the round of 16, eliminated MLS side Atlanta United in the quarter-finals with an aggregate of 3-1 on the board and beat MLS' Sporting Kansas City with a crushing 10-2 aggregate score in the semifinals, before defeating Tigres in the final with a 2-1 aggregate score in their favor.

"The feeling was spectacular. At the end of the match, what I remember is greeting my family and remembering that I had won an international competition again. I will never forget about this title. In Monterrey, there is a star that shines the brightest and it will be like that forever. It's an unforgettable memory", said Alonso.

"It was one of the most beautiful games I played with Monterrey, everything worked out. It's a very good memory," added Pizarro.

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