Nashville SC and Club América Share Point in Scoreless Draw in Champions Cup Quarterfinal Opener

TITLE: Nashville SC and Club América Share Point in Scoreless Draw in Champions Cup Quarterfinal Opener

Nashville SC and Club América played to a 0-0 draw in the first leg of the 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals at GEODIS Park Tuesday night. The result sets up a high-stakes return to Estadio Azteca on April 14.

Neither side could break through in a tightly contested match that featured just one shot on target from either team. Nashville goalkeeper Brian Schwake made the key save in the 30th minute, tipping away a curling effort from Club América's Alex Zendejas. The Mexican side, which has won the last two Liga MX titles, had only one shot on target in the entire match.

Sam Surridge, who has been in scintillating form this season with eight goals in eight appearances across all competitions, had the best chance for Nashville in the first half. The English forward latched onto a through ball but struck his first-time left-footed attempt over the bar.

Club América's Isaías Violante tested Schwake again late in the match, forcing the Nashville netminder to make a bobbling save. Nashville, meanwhile, had a golden opportunity in stoppage time when Alex Muyl, who has contributed five assists in MLS play this season, rose to meet a through ball from Ahmed Qasem but headed it well over the crossbar.

Hany Mukhtar, Nashville’s star playmaker, was active throughout and forced Club América goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota into a sharp reaction save in the second half. Mukhtar has recorded 12 goals and 10 assists in 2023, but his deflected effort was one of just three shots Nashville generated in the match.

The match was a low-scoring, tactical affair where both teams prioritized defensive discipline. Nashville, who have won just three of their last 10 matches in all competitions, will need to find a way to break through in Mexico City if they are to advance.

The second leg will be played at Estadio Azteca, where Club América have won 10 of their last 12 matches in all competitions. The aggregate winner will face either Tigres UANL or the Seattle Sounders FC in the semifinals.

Nashville will look to regroup ahead of their next MLS match on Saturday, April 11 against Charlotte FC while Club América will host Cruz Azul in Liga MX action the same day.