Monterrey stun Club America to take the first step towards the 2025 Apertura semifinals: Highlights and goals (2-0)
In a very exciting match, Monterrey defeated Club America 2-0, putting all the pressure on the Azulcrema for the second leg of their 2025 Apertura quarterfinals.
Monterrey did their job and took the first step toward the 2025 Apertura semifinals in Liga MX. The Rayados defeated Club America 2-0 in an exciting match that sets up an even more intriguing second leg.
Sergio Canales opened the scoring with a terrific strike from outside the box that left Luis Malagon with no chance. In the second half, Fidel Ambriz’s header deflected off Igor Lichnovsky for an unfortunate own goal by America’s defender, extending Monterrey’s lead.
While a 2-0 score may seem comfortable for Rayados, they cannot afford to feel overconfident. America only need to win by two goals in the second leg, as a tied aggregate would send the Azulcremas to the semifinals thanks to their higher finish in the regular-season standings.
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Thanks for joining us!
Monterrey secures a crucial victory over Club America at Estadio BBVA in the first leg of the Liga MX 2025 Apertura playoff quarterfinals. You lived this thrilling match here at Bolavip.
Thanks for staying with us in this play-by-play live coverage. See you next time!
90' + 6' - END OF THE GAME! (2-0)
Monterrey secures a key 2-0 victory at home, putting all the pressure on America for the second leg.
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90' + 3' - Yellow cards everywhere (2-0)
By the end of the match, both Alvarez and Fimbres receive a yellow card from the referee.
90' - Sanchez fails to put America on the board (2-0)
Davila makes a brilliant solo play to give Erick Sanchez the ball inside Monterrey’s box, but the Mexican midfielder badly connects with his left foot and can’t send it toward the net.
89' - Arteaga sees the yellow (2-0)
In an intense America attack, Gerardo Arteaga stopped Jonathan Dos Santos with a foul and was shown a yellow card.
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83' - MASSIVE MISS BY MARTIAL! (2-0)
The French forward struck the ball after a great cross from Arteaga, but Martial, despite being completely unmarked, mishit his shot and sent it wide to the left of Malagon’s goal. It could’ve been the 3-0 for Rayados.
74' - While Monterrey add goals, America does the same with yellow cards (2-0)
Cristian Borja commits a foul on Rayados' Fidel Ambriz, and the referee doesn’t let it slide, showing a yellow card to America’s defender. Things are getting tougher and tougher for the Azulcremas.
70' - MONTERREY EXTEND THE LEAD! (2-0)
Canales takes the corner, Ambriz rises to head it, and the ball ricochets off Lichnovsky—straight into his own net!
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62' - One more yellow card for America (1-0)
Rodrigo Aguirre tries to secure the ball in midfield, but raises his arms too much and catches Sergio Ramos in the face, leading the referee to sanction America’s forward.
57' - Zendejas forgives Monterrey (1-0)
America’s forward came close to leveling the match, but his attempt flew far wide of Cardenas’ net, leaving the keeper just as a spectator.
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47' - What a miss by Berterame! (1-0)
Monterrey’s forward couldn’t get a shot off after finding the ball inside America’s box, and Luis Malagon capitalized on the mistake to secure the ball and prevent the second goal of the night.
46' - We're back for the second half! (1-0)
Monterrey have the lead, but America will try to avoid returning home with a tough deficit to overcome. Stay tuned for an exciting finish!
45' + 5' - The first half is history! (1-0)
With a fantastic goal by Sergio Canales, Monterrey head into halftime with the lead over America. Las Aguilas will have to come from behind to avoid a defeat in the first leg.
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45' + 3' - CANALEEEEEEEEEES WITH A BANGER! (1-0)
Sergio Canales scores the first goal of the game with a shot from outside the box that leaves Luis Malagon with no chance to stop it. Rayados take the lead.
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37' - Third yellow card of the match (0-0)
Brian Rodriguez draws Monterrey’s second yellow card, as Ricardo Chavez brings down America’s forward while he was getting past him for a clear chance against Rayados’ goalkeeper.
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30' - Rayados fans ask for a penalty (0-0)
Gerardo Arteaga goes down inside America’s box, but despite fans calling for a penalty, the referee rules no foul by Sebastian Caceres on Monterrey’s defender.
26' - Yellow card for Lichnovsky (0-0)
America’s defender commits a late foul on German Berterame, and the referee shows him a yellow card.
23' - Multiple mistakes by both teams (0-0)
It’s raining heavily in Monterrey, leading to multiple mistakes from both clubs throughout the game. Either team could take advantage of the conditions to open the scoring.
14' - First yellow card of the game (0-0)
Jesus Corona sees the yellow card after a tough foul on Alvaro Fidalgo. America players were asking for a red card, as Corona put the spikes on Fidalgo's leg, but the VAR didn't intervene for it.
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11' - Monterrey keep trying (0-0)
Jesus Corona tries with a shot from outside the box, but the ball didn't find Malagon's direction. Rayados feel more comfortable than America so far.
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2' - Berterame nearly scores! (0-0)
German Berterame nearly scores a fantastic header, but America's Luis Malagon rejects the ball and avoids the first goal of the night!
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1' - GAME IS UNDERWAY! (0-0)
Monterrey and America start the actions at Estadio BBVA!
Recognition for Canales
Sergio Canales has already played 100 games for Rayados. Will he celebrate tonight?
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The Aguilas take the field!
America aim to leave Estadio BBVA with either a draw or a victory to seal things up back at home!
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Club America's starting XI
This is the confirmed lineup of Club America for the game against Monterrey:
Goalkeeper: Luis Malagon Defenders: Israel Reyes, Sebastian Caceres, Kevin Alvarez, Cristian Borja, Igor Lichnovsky Midfielders: Jonathan Dos Santos, Alvaro Fidalgo Forwards: Alejandro Zendejas, Brian Rodriguez, Rodrigo Aguirre
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Monterrey's confirmed lineup
This is the starting lineup of Monterrey for the clash against Club America:
Midfielders: Fidel Ambriz, Oliver Torres, Jorge Rodriguez
Forwards: Jesus Corona, Sergio Canales, German Berterame
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Rayados want to take advantage at home
Monterrey host this quarterfinals game with the main goal of taking some advantage to the second leg.
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The venue for tonight's game!
Estadio BBVA will host the first match between Monterrey and Club América. This venue is also one of the three stadiums Mexico will use for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Absolutely astonishing!
The referees for the Monterrey vs Club America game
Jesus Rafael Lopez Valle will be the main referee of one of the most attractive games in the quarterfinals.
The full officiating team for today's clash between Monterrey and Club America:
Referee: Jesus Rafael Lopez Valle Assistant Referee 1: Jorge Antonio Sanchez Assistant Referee 2: Jesus Lorenzo Soto Fourth Official: Salvador Perez Villalobos VAR: Adonai Escobedo VAR assistant: Michel Caballero
Kick off time and where to watch
The match between Monterrey and Club America will kick off at 10:05 PM (ET).
Fernando Franco is an accomplished writer and sports journalist who specializes in soccer, NFL, MLB, and MMA. Since joining Bolavip US in 2022, he has significantly broadened his sports journalism repertoire, offering deep insights and comprehensive coverage. Fernando's writing career began in 2013, and over the years, he has made notable contributions to leading sports media outlets such as Sopitas.com, Diario AS USA, and Goal. His articles are well-regarded for their depth and analytical approach.
