Surebet
Olympic Sports
News, Blog and GuidesClub León from Liga MX overcame MLS team Vancouver Whitecaps after an incredible sudden death pattern that kept everyone on edge.
Calum RocheEnglish_ASSebastián GómezSebastianGomRosCiudad de MéxicoUpdate: Jul 22nd, 2023 04:37 EDT
Anne-Marie SorvinUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
Club León emerged victorious against the Vancouver Whitecaps in an exhilarating game that kept fans on the edge of their seats much longer than they could have expected. Many had predicted a routine victory for Profe Nicolás Larcamón’s side but what transpired was rather different, although it all worked out for the Liga MX team in the end.
León and Vancouver in Leagues Cup penalty drama
It’s worth remembering that the Leagues Cup 2023 point system means a group game that ends level after the regulation 90 minutes goes straight to penalties, with both teams getting a point. And that’s exactly what happened in this one.
Iván Moreno put the visitors ahead in Vancouver after 23 minutes but the game was flipped on its head with a brace from Sergio Córdova in the 44th and 57th. Elías Hernández then levelled things up with just over ten minutes to play with a stunning strike reigniting the spirits of the Guanajuato side. With no more goals before the whistle, a point was picked up by both teams and they headed to spot kicks for the win.
Little did we know that the shootout would be even more dramatic than the conclusion of the game itself, a nail-biting affair, lasting much longer than usual, and stretching to a total of 38 kicks.
ELÍAAAAAAS 🚓🚓🚓El patrullero empató el partido en Vancouver ¡VAMOOOOS, @clubleonfc! #LeaguesCup2023 pic.twitter.com/V29r1xRfAO
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) July 22, 2023
In a rather improbable scenario, both León and Vancouver took a total of nearly 40 shots before finally a winner was announced. And while neutrals may have enjoyed it, for the players involved it turned out to be a rather nervy experience, evident from the expressions and attitudes displayed on the field.
You may enjoy: VAR in the Leagues Cup: how does it work?
https://t.co/18F2BDUAuv pic.twitter.com/pwZfFvMS9B
— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) July 22, 2023
The outcome of each penalty was captured by the Leagues Cup social media team, the final one along with an amusing GIF from The Office that everyone watching could relate to.
