LAFC forward and Mexico international Carlos Vela has mixed feelings about MLS teams defeating Liga MX clubs in all three CONCACAF Champions League games this week.
Despite playing in MLS, the 29-year-old is confident and hopes that Liga MX teams can overturn the deficits, but believes the New York Red Bulls defeating Club Tijuana 2-0 in Estadio Caliente, Toronto winning 2-1 at home against Tigres and the Seattle Sounders overcoming Chivas 1-0 in CenturyLink Field also highlights the quality of MLS.
"I don't know [if I'm surprised]," Vela told reporters on Thursday. "Obviously, the teams in Mexico are strong, it's a very competitive league and the [series] aren't over. I think in Mexico, things will change.
"Above all, I think Tigres [can overturn the deficit], the current [Liga MX] champion and a team that has been in finals or winning for a number of years. It's one of the strongest teams in the tournament and it'll be hard-fought.
"But I think [the results] show that the [MLS] isn't as bad a league as people in Mexico think, that it is very physical, very competitive and you don't play walking and that was shown [on Wednesday].
"I hope the Mexican teams win because I prefer teams from my country to win."
The reaction in the Mexican press to Liga MX teams losing all three games was fierce, with sports daily Record calling the results "an insult" and "unacceptable."
Vela and LAFC will face Real Salt Lake on Saturday in Rio Tinto Stadium in the new MLS club's second competitive game.