Cavalier vs. Inter Miami : CCC Match Preview, Odds & Predictions

Inter Miami has the opportunity to secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup (CCC) on Thursday by ensuring they do not lose by two or more goals against Cavalier at National Independence Park in Kingston, Jamaica.

In the first leg, the reigning Jamaican Premier League champions suffered a narrow 2-0 defeat to Inter Miami in a match that was much more closely contested than many expected.

Match Preview

Last Thursday, Cavalier adopted a predictably defensive approach against Miami, managing only 31% possession but holding firm for the majority of the game. Rudolph Speid's team caused some nervous moments for Inter Miami, particularly in the first half, where they hit the post in the 33rd minute and looked dangerous on the counterattack. Ultimately, a lack of individual quality proved decisive, though Cavalier can take positives from keeping Miami scoreless for an hour.

While Cavalier displayed cohesive teamwork and solid defensive organization, overcoming a two-goal deficit seems challenging. They have only won one domestic match by such a margin since the start of 2025 (a 3-0 victory over Molynes United). Additionally, Cavalier are winless in their six home games this year, all in the Jamaican Premier League, scoring one goal or fewer in four of those matches. Their last Champions Cup home game at Independence Park ended in a 2-0 defeat to MLS side FC Cincinnati, with goals conceded in stoppage time of both halves.

Despite a tougher-than-expected first leg, Inter Miami persevered and are now well-positioned to reach the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year. Javier Mascherano's team limited Cavalier to just one shot on target and maintained their perfect record in the competition this year. Miami enters this match on a four-game winning streak across all competitions, including back-to-back clean sheets, following a 1-0 victory over Charlotte FC in MLS on Sunday.

The Herons have never lost a Champions Cup tie after winning the first leg but have also never won an away match in the tournament. However, in 2025, Inter Miami have won both of their competitive away fixtures by a combined scoreline of 5-1. They have, however, never won a CCC match after conceding the first goal, as evidenced by their 2-1 loss to Monterrey in last year's quarter-finals after taking an early lead.

Cavalier x Inter Miami Team News

Cavalier made five changes to their starting lineup for the first leg against Miami, with Jerome Zidon McLeary, Adrian Reid, Jalmaro Calvin, Jamilhio Ritgers, and Shaquille Stein all coming into the side. Goalkeeper Vino Barclett was particularly impressive, making three saves from five shots on target in a spirited performance.

Inter Miami, meanwhile, have rested captain Lionel Messi for four consecutive games due to load management. Marcelo Weigandt, Robert Taylor, and Fafa Picault are sidelined with hamstring injuries, while Maximiliano Falcon is doubtful due to a quad issue. In the first leg, Tadeo Allende broke the deadlock in the 61st minute, followed by Luis Suarez's goal seven minutes from time. Goalkeeper Oscar Ustari kept a clean sheet and will be available for Thursday's match despite receiving a red card in MLS action last weekend.

Our Predictions

(0;1) Handicap - Inter Miami to win @ 1.70 pn Sky247.ng

While the first leg served as a reminder not to underestimate Cavalier, the Jamaican side likely lacks the individual quality to overcome Inter Miami's strength. We expect a narrow victory for the Herons, securing their place in the quarter-finals.

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