When the final whistle blew at Estadio BBVA on Wednesday night, CF Monterrey had done the unthinkable: they shut out Club América 2-0 in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2025-26 quarterfinalsMonterrey. The result didn’t just give Monterrey a commanding lead—it sent shockwaves through Mexican football. América, the most decorated club in Liga MX history, came in as favorites. They left with their tails between their legs, and a mountain to climb in the return leg.
A Night of Precision and Patience
Monterrey didn’t dominate possession. They didn’t need to. What they delivered was surgical efficiency. The opening goal came in the 45th minute plus three seconds—right before halftime, when Sergio Canales latched onto a perfectly weighted cross from Jesús Corona and buried it low into the far corner. The crowd erupted. The stadium shook. And América, for the first time all night, looked rattled. The second goal, in the 70th minute, was even more brutal. Canales, now playing like a man possessed, slipped a through ball to Fidel Ambríz, who had drifted into space behind América’s high line. One touch. One shot. Goal. No celebration. Just a nod. Ambríz knew what this meant. So did everyone else. The tactical battle was fascinating. Monterrey, in their 4-2-3-1, pressed high and cut off América’s midfield links. América’s 4-3-3 looked sharp on paper, but their center-backs kept getting pulled out of position by the movement of Canales and Gerardo Arteaga. By the 60th minute, América’s attacks were reduced to hopeful long balls and crosses into the box—none of which found their target.Discipline Under Pressure
It wasn’t all smooth sailing. Monterrey had to weather moments of chaos. Jesús Corona picked up a yellow card in the 16th minute for a reckless tackle. Raúl Chávez followed suit in the 38th, nearly giving América a penalty after a handball in the box. But the defense held. Goalkeeper Marcelo Barovero made two critical saves—one in the 52nd minute off a rebound from Chiquito Sánchez, whose missed opportunity TUDN later labeled a "brutal miss." América’s J. Zuniga got his yellow in the 75th for a late challenge, and by then, the game was effectively over. Substitutions came fast: Óliver Torres exited in the 79th, Fidel Ambríz in the 80th, and K. Alvarez was replaced in stoppage time. The game’s final whistle came at 90+4, and Monterrey’s players stood still, arms raised, soaking it in.
Contract Drama in the Background
There’s a subplot here no one’s talking about enough. Sergio Ramos, Monterrey’s veteran right-back, is in contract renewal talks with the club. His deal expires at the end of 2025. He played 90 minutes on Wednesday, anchoring a defense that kept América’s attack at bay. His performance wasn’t flashy—but it was essential. Fans are already wondering: will he stay? If he leaves, who replaces him? The club’s next move could define their next two seasons. This wasn’t just about advancing. It was about legacy. Monterrey hasn’t reached the Liga MX final since 2021. América, meanwhile, has been chasing their 15th title since 2020. Now, with a two-goal deficit, their chances are slipping. The second leg in Mexico City won’t be easy. But Monterrey’s players know something América’s squad might not: confidence isn’t something you buy. It’s something you earn on nights like this.What Comes Next?
The second leg is scheduled for December 3, 2025, at Estadio Azteca. América will need to win by at least two goals to force extra time. A 3-0 win would send them through on away goals. But with Monterrey’s defense so locked in, and Canales in such lethal form, that feels like a fantasy. Even a 1-0 win for América won’t be enough. The pressure is now entirely on América’s shoulders. Meanwhile, Toluca—the team ESPN mentioned as a potential "back-to-back" champion—still has their semifinal path to clear. But if Monterrey holds on, they could be the ones standing in the way.
Behind the Numbers
- 45+3’: Sergio Canales’ opening goal, assisted by Jesús Corona - 70’: Fidel Ambríz’s goal, assisted by Canales - 16’: Yellow card to Jesús Corona - 38’: Yellow card to Raúl Chávez - 75’: Yellow card to J. Zuniga (América) - 0: Shots on target by América in the second half - 5: Total corners conceded by América - 2: Total yellow cards issued to Monterrey TUDN’s highlights video, posted on November 27 at 11:24 PM CST, showed Ambríz’s goal in 1:20 of footage—and the missed chance by Sánchez as the defining moment of the night.Frequently Asked Questions
How significant is Monterrey’s 2-0 lead heading into the second leg?
A two-goal advantage in a two-legged playoff is extremely difficult to overcome in Liga MX. Since 2018, only one team has come back from a 2-0 deficit in the quarterfinals—Tigres in 2021, and even that required extra time and a penalty shootout. América would need to win by at least three goals to advance without extra time. Given Monterrey’s defensive discipline, that’s a tall order.
Why is Sergio Ramos’ contract situation so important?
Sergio Ramos, 34, has been Monterrey’s most consistent defender since 2022. His leadership and positioning are irreplaceable in high-pressure games. If he leaves, Monterrey’s defense loses its anchor. The club has already started exploring younger alternatives, but no one on the roster has his experience. His decision could shape whether Monterrey remains a title contender beyond 2025.
What’s the historical advantage for Monterrey over América in knockout matches?
Monterrey holds a slight edge in recent playoff encounters. Since 2015, they’ve won four of the last seven knockout matches against América, including a 2020 Clausura semifinal where they won 3-1 on aggregate. América’s last playoff win over Monterrey came in 2018. The psychological weight of this rivalry favors Monterrey right now, especially after their 2023 Apertura final win.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Monterrey, Sergio Canales is the engine—he’s scored in three straight playoff games. Fidel Ambríz, now a fan favorite, could be the difference-maker again. For América, Roberto de la Rosa must step up, and Héctor Moreno needs to shut down the wings. But the real wildcard? América’s goalkeeper, who hasn’t kept a clean sheet in his last five appearances. One mistake could end their season.
Can América still win the Apertura title after this loss?
Technically, yes—but it’s now a long shot. América would need to win the second leg by three goals, then win two more knockout matches. Their squad lacks the depth and consistency to pull that off. More likely, this loss will force them to rebuild for the 2026 Clausura. Meanwhile, Monterrey’s confidence is sky-high, and their squad is peaking at the right time.
What does this result mean for Liga MX’s overall competitiveness?
This result underscores a growing trend: the old giants like América are no longer automatic favorites. Teams like Monterrey, Tigres, and even Toluca are closing the gap with better coaching, youth development, and tactical discipline. The league’s parity is increasing, and that’s good for fans. The era of América dominating playoffs is fading—and Monterrey’s win is proof.
