The final was contested in a two-leg aggregate format on 18 and 25 April 2012, between twoMexican teams,Monterrey andSantos Laguna. After winning the first leg 2–0,[1] a 2–1 loss in the second leg gaveMonterrey the title 3–2 on aggregate.[2] As a result, Monterrey earned the right to representCONCACAF at the2012 FIFA Club World Cup, entering at the quarterfinal stage.[3]
For the third time in four seasons of the CONCACAF Champions League, the final was played between two Mexican sides. This guaranteed a Mexican champion for the seventh straight year and 28th time since the confederation began staging the tournament in 1962 (including the tournament's predecessor, the CONCACAF Champions' Cup).[4]
Monterrey were the defending champions, winning the title in2010–11 after beatingReal Salt Lake in thefinal. They defeated two Mexican sides in the knockout round.
Santos Laguna's previous best record was in2008–09 when they reached the semifinals. Santos Laguna defeated two teams fromMajor League Soccer in the knockout round, scoring 6 goals in each of the two home victories.
Both teams qualified for the CONCACAF Champions League tournament by reaching the final of theTorneo Apertura 2010 in which Monterrey won with a score of 5–3.
Like other match-ups in the knockout round, the teams playedtwo games, one at each team's home stadium. If the teams remained tied after 90 minutes of play during the 2nd leg, theaway goals rule would be used, but not after a tie entersextra time, and so a tie would be decided bypenalty shootout if the aggregate score is level after extra time.[5]
Monterrey
Olimpia
Herediano
Seattle Sounders FC
Isidro Metapán
Comunicaciones
Toronto FC
60',86'
