'It’s a trap tournament' - Monterrey's Domènec Torrent insists Leagues Cup designed to trip up Liga MX giants rather than reward them

Domènec Torrent has once again taken aim at the Leagues Cup after Monterrey’s 1-1 draw with NY Red Bulls - a result that ultimately saw Rayados edge the penalty shootout. Never shy about voicing his displeasure with the tournament format, the Spanish coach insisted the competition is designed to trip up Liga MX giants rather than reward them.

“It’s a trap tournament - it gives you very little and takes a lot away. It takes away training time, it takes away quality from what we’re trying to build", he said.

Torrent argued that winning the trophy wouldn’t bring much prestige, yet failing to progress often sparks exaggerated talk of “failure” or “disaster” in Mexico.

“If you don’t advance, they love to throw around words like ‘failure’ and make it seem like the world is ending," he said. "Managers have even been punished for speaking their minds, but my opinion of the Leagues Cup is very clear."

Monterrey and Cruz Azul have arguably been the biggest disappointments of the tournament. After a strong showing at the Club World Cup - where they reached the quarterfinals - Torrent’s side has failed to win either of their first two Leagues Cup matches in regulation time, leaving elimination just around the corner. 

The group stage is on the verge of losing two of its marquee attractions: Rayados with Sergio Ramos and León with James Rodríguez.

What does Monterrey need to advance?

First, Rayados must beat Charlotte - ideally by several goals to boost their goal difference. On top of that, no more than two of the following results can go against them:

+ Juárez, Mazatlán, Toluca and Pumas (all on five points) must lose.

+ Necaxa and Pachuca (four points) must not win - and if they draw, they must not collect the extra point.

 + Puebla, América and Xolos (three points) only need to not win - even if they take the shootout point, Monterrey would jump them with a win thanks to goal difference.

+ It would also help if Cruz Azul, Chivas and Atlético San Luis don’t win - or if they do, that their goal difference doesn’t exceed that of Rayados.

Monterrey will close out the group stage next Thursday against Charlotte FC at Bank of America Stadium - still alive, but hanging by a thread with just two points from two matches.