The New York Red Bulls are eagerly anticipating one of their toughest matchups in recent memory -- Club Tijuana -- in the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League Quarterfinals.
After taking care of business against Club Deportivo Olimpia, both on the road and at Red Bull Arena, Aaron Long said that facing a Mexican side is the next step for the club.
"We did what we wanted, we got a result [in Costa Rica]. We brought it back to our house and we brought it home," Long said. "Going to Mexico is a great challenge for us, we are super excited about it. We have been wanting to play a Mexican team for a long time in Champions League."
- TICKETS: New York Red Bulls vs. Club Tijuana
Tijuana currently sit in 6th place in Liga MX, with 16 points through 10 matches.
Jesse Marsch said they know the Red Bulls are in for a challenge against Xolos.
"It is a talented team, it is a team that is good on the ball, it is a team that will spread you and hit you in different spots, they are good on the counter and they are very clever and sharp around the goal," Marsch said. "In that sense, when you play Mexican teams, you know you are going to get some talented players and you know are going to get good players on the ball so it will test us in big ways.”
Xolos topped Honduran-side F.C. Motagua in the Champions League Round of 16, advancing on a 2-1 aggregate victory (0-1, 1-1).
"It is an honor and we are super excited about it," Long said. "We have a game plan and we are going to stick with it, just like we did with Olimpia, and hopefully get the job done.”
The two clubs face off in Leg 1 on Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET. Leg 2, at Red Bull Arena, kicks off on March 13 at 8 p.m. ET. Tickets are on sale now.
