By Harshit
MONTERREY, MEXICO — NOV. 27
Monterrey delivered a commanding performance at Estadio BBVA on Wednesday night, defeating Club América 2–0 in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 quarterfinals. With sharp tactical adjustments, well-timed pressure and superior execution in decisive moments, Rayados took a firm grip on the series and placed América under intense pressure ahead of Saturday’s second leg in Mexico City.
The result means América must win by two goals in regular time at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes to stay alive in the Liguilla. Monterrey, meanwhile, heads into the return match with momentum, confidence and the psychological advantage of a comprehensive first-leg performance.
The match opened at a fast tempo, with América pressing high early but struggling to maintain midfield control. Monterrey gradually settled in, using their wide players and overlapping fullbacks to expose América’s defensive gaps. A brief injury stoppage in the 3rd minute—after goalkeeper Luis Malagón collided with a Rayados attacker during a save—did little to slow the pace.
Jesús “Tecatito” Corona created the first promising chance for Monterrey in the 12th minute, unleashing a right-footed effort just wide of the post. América, meanwhile, looked disjointed in buildup, failing to establish sustained possession as Monterrey’s midfield trio frequently intercepted passes and launched counters.
Rayados repeatedly forced América into defensive clearances, winning several corner kicks and keeping Malagón under pressure. América generated isolated moments of danger through Brian Rodríguez and Diego Valdés, but neither produced clear threats against a disciplined Monterrey back line anchored by Sergio Ramos and Héctor Moreno.
The breakthrough arrived in stoppage time of the first half. At 45+3, Sergio Canales collected the ball outside the 18-yard box, took a touch to create space, and curled a left-footed shot that beat Malagón at the far post. The stadium erupted as Monterrey secured a deserved 1–0 lead heading into halftime.
América came out in the second half determined to respond, pressing higher and committing more numbers forward. Monterrey, however, remained compact and well-organized, denying América access through central channels. Forward Germán Berterame nearly doubled the lead in the 47th minute, flashing a powerful effort narrowly wide.
América’s best chances came from long-range shots and half-chances produced by Érick Sánchez and Brian Rodríguez. Despite moments of promise, their decision-making in the final third remained inconsistent, and Monterrey continued to dictate the rhythm of the match.
The second blow landed in the 70th minute. After an outswinging corner from Canales, midfielder Fidel Ambríz rose above the defense and headed the ball goalward. The attempt deflected off Igor Lichnovsky, wrong-footing Malagón and bouncing into the net for the 2–0 advantage. The BBVA crowd erupted once more as Rayados tightened their grip on the quarterfinal series.
América attempted to respond with substitutions, introducing Víctor Dávila and Raúl Zúñiga to energize the attack, but the visiting side continued to struggle against Monterrey’s defensive structure. Ramos delivered several crucial clearances, while goalkeeper Esteban Andrada handled high balls with confidence and composure.
The closing minutes featured increased physicality, late fouls and rising frustration from América’s players. Anthony Martial nearly sealed a three-goal margin in the 83rd minute when his shot struck the post after a quick counterattack. Monterrey continued to control possession, closing out the match with maturity and tactical discipline.
As the final whistle blew, América faced a daunting path to the semifinals. Monterrey’s combination of intensity, structure and individual quality placed them firmly ahead in the tie, while América must now execute a near-perfect performance in the second leg to avoid elimination.