When the final whistle blew at Estadio BBVA on November 26, 2025, the roar wasn’t just from fans—it was the sound of a playoff series shifting on its axis. CF Monterrey crushed Club América 2-0 in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura Playoffs QuarterfinalsGuadalupe, Monterrey, leaving the defending champions with a mountain to climb. The victory wasn’t pretty, but it was devastatingly effective. Two goals in the final minutes of the first half and early in the second told the story: Monterrey, not América, now controls the narrative.
A Match Built on Timing, Not Dominance
Monterrey didn’t control possession. They didn’t outshoot América by a wide margin. But they knew when to strike—and when to shut down. The first half was a tense, physical affair, with four yellow cards dished out before halftime. Jesús Corona got booked at 16’, then Ricardo Chávez at 38’, while Club América’s Igor Lichnovsky and later José Zúñiga paid similar prices. The tension was thick, but the breakthrough came when it mattered most.
At 45+3’, Sergio Canales did what great attackers do: he turned a moment of chaos into a moment of history. A quick one-two with Jesús Corona sent him through on goal. No hesitation. No flair. Just a calm, low finish past the outstretched arms of América’s keeper. The stadium exploded. The away fans fell silent. And the scoreboard told the truth: 1-0.
Then, at 70’, it got worse for América. Canales, who had been pulling strings all night, played a perfectly weighted pass to Fidel Ambríz, who had just replaced Jorge Rodríguez in the 62’ substitution. Ambríz didn’t even break stride. One touch. One shot. Goal. 2-0. The assist was his third of the campaign. The goal? His first in the playoffs. He was named the match’s most valuable player alongside Canales, though FotMob officially gave the nod to the latter.
América’s Struggles Run Deeper Than the Scoreline
Club América entered this series as favorites. They’d won four of their last five matches, including a 2-1 win over Tigres just two weeks prior. Their defense, anchored by veteran Héctor Moreno, had looked solid. But on this night, they looked lost. The midfield was disjointed. The forwards couldn’t find space. Even their best chance—a 58’ header from Roberto de la Rosa—was blocked by a last-ditch tackle from Gerardo Arteaga.
Manager Ricardo Ferretti’s substitutions were too little, too late. Rubens Aguirre came off at 62’, replaced by José Zúñiga, who got booked just 13 minutes later. The team’s rhythm never returned. And when the final whistle blew, América’s players stood motionless on the pitch, staring at the scoreboard like it was a foreign language.
History Favors Monterrey—But Not by Much
Head-to-head, Monterrey holds a slight edge: 14 wins to América’s 9, with 7 draws since the turn of the decade. But these aren’t just numbers—they’re psychological anchors. In their last meeting on September 20, 2025, Monterrey came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2. In April, they won 1-0 in the same stadium. This isn’t luck. It’s pattern.
And yet, América has won the last two Liga MX titles. They’ve got the pedigree. They’ve got the stars. What they lack right now is cohesion under pressure. Monterrey, meanwhile, entered the playoffs on a shaky 1-2-2 run. Their 4-2 loss to Chivas just 18 days ago had fans wondering if they’d even make it this far. Now? They’re one step from the semifinals.
What Happens Next? The Second Leg Is a Different Beast
The second leg, scheduled for November 29, 2025, at América’s Estadio Azteca, will be a cauldron. 85,000 fans. A deafening atmosphere. A team with nothing left to lose. América will need to score at least three goals to advance outright—or two and hope for a clean sheet. Even a 2-0 win for América would send it to extra time. Anything less, and Monterrey advances on aggregate.
But here’s the twist: Monterrey doesn’t need to win. They just need to not lose. That’s a luxury few teams in this league ever get. If they sit deep, absorb pressure, and hit on the counter—like they did in the first leg—they’ll be in the semifinals before the final whistle blows in Mexico City.
Why This Matters Beyond the Standings
This isn’t just about who plays in the next round. It’s about identity. América, once the dominant force of Liga MX, has looked vulnerable in clutch moments. Monterrey, long seen as the underdog with the bigger heart, is proving it can outthink, outlast, and outplay the giants. The Estadio BBVA crowd—30,669 strong on average—wasn’t just cheering. They were witnessing a changing of the guard.
And if Monterrey can hold on in the second leg? They’ll be the first team since 2019 to knock América out of the playoffs in consecutive seasons. That’s not just a win. That’s a statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Monterrey’s chances of winning the Liga MX Apertura title?
Monterrey now holds a commanding advantage, needing only a draw or a 1-0 loss in the second leg to advance. If they reach the semifinals, they’ll face either Tigres UANL or Pumas UNAM—both teams they’ve beaten this season. Their defensive structure and playoff experience make them serious title contenders, especially if Canales and Ambríz continue clicking.
Why was Sergio Canales named Player of the Match?
Canales delivered the game’s only two decisive actions: a goal in first-half stoppage time and an assist for the second goal. He completed 89% of his passes, made three key passes, and forced two defensive errors. His movement between the lines disrupted América’s midfield, and his composure under pressure was unmatched. FotMob rated him 8.7/10—the highest on either side.
What’s the historical significance of Monterrey beating América in the playoffs?
Monterrey has only eliminated América from the playoffs twice since 2010—both times at Estadio BBVA. This is the first time since 2015 that Monterrey has won both regular-season matches against América in the same campaign and then followed it with a playoff shutout. It’s a psychological turning point for a team that’s long lived in América’s shadow.
Can Club América realistically come back from a 2-0 deficit?
It’s possible—but unlikely. In the last 15 Liga MX playoff comebacks from a 2-0 deficit, only two teams succeeded, and both were home favorites with superior attacking depth. América has scored just 1.2 goals per game in their last five matches. To win 3-0 or 4-1 at Azteca? They’d need to abandon their defensive shape entirely, leaving them vulnerable to counters. Monterrey’s backline, led by Chávez and Medina, is one of the league’s most disciplined.
How does the Estadio BBVA’s atmosphere impact playoff games?
With a capacity of 53,500 and an average attendance of 30,669, Estadio BBVA is among the loudest venues in Liga MX. The 57% ticket sales rate shows consistent fan engagement. In knockout games, the noise level spikes—often disrupting visiting teams’ communication. Monterrey has won 8 of their last 9 playoff matches here, and the crowd’s energy was a silent third goal on Wednesday night.
What’s the schedule for the next round if Monterrey advances?
If Monterrey advances, they’ll face the winner of the Tigres UANL vs. Pumas UNAM series, which concludes on December 2, 2025. The semifinal first leg is scheduled for December 6, with the return leg on December 13. Both legs will be played on Wednesdays, giving Monterrey 10 days to recover and prepare—time they’ll need if they’re to go all the way.