The Liga MX Clausura 2026 season is reaching its fever pitch, and all eyes are on Monterrey as the club faces a defining stretch in its campaign. On April 11, 2026, at the Estadio Universitario, the city of Monterrey buzzed with anticipation as Club Deportivo Guadalajara, better known as Chivas, arrived to take on Tigres in a crucial Matchday 14 fixture. The stakes? Nothing less than a shot at the top of the standings for Chivas, while Monterrey’s own aspirations for playoff glory hang in the balance after a challenging season.
Guadalajara, riding high in the table, made their intentions clear before even setting foot in Monterrey. The club officially announced their travel plans on April 10, 2026, with the mission straightforward: "deliver another strong performance and secure all three points to remain at the top of the standings heading into the final stretch of the regular season." For Chivas, the support in Monterrey is always palpable. The city boasts a significant contingent of Chivahermanos—fans who traditionally roll out a warm welcome for the visiting side. This time was no exception, with excitement building not just for the match, but for the team’s stay and itinerary in the city, which the club shared in detail with its passionate followers.
But while Chivas prepared for their clash with Tigres, Monterrey, the storied club affectionately nicknamed 'Rayados' for their blue and white striped jerseys, found themselves in unfamiliar territory. Established on June 28, 1945, Monterrey has built a legacy of success, boasting five Liga MX titles, two Copa MX trophies, and an impressive run of three consecutive CONCACAF Champions League crowns between 2011 and 2013. Yet, as of April 12, 2026, the club’s fortunes have waned. Monterrey was eliminated from the CONCACAF Champions Cup earlier this year, and their domestic campaign has struggled to ignite, leaving them outside the coveted playoff qualification zone.
The latest blow came just a day prior, when Monterrey played to a goalless draw against Atlas in Liga MX’s Matchday 14. According to Sports Illustrated Fútbol, "Club de Fútbol Monterrey drew 0-0 against Atlas on April 11, 2026, in Liga MX Matchday 14." The result did little to help their standing, with the 'Fiesta Grande'—the postseason Liguilla—now appearing as a distant dream. Monterrey’s coach, Nicolás Sánchez, faces mounting pressure as the club looks to salvage their season in the final weeks.
The challenges ahead for Monterrey are numerous, but hope is not lost. The club’s upcoming schedule is a gauntlet of must-win matches, each one critical in their quest to break into the top eight and secure a spot in the playoffs. Next up, Monterrey will host Pachuca on April 18 at the iconic Estadio BBVA in Monterrey, Nuevo León. The match is set for 21:00 US time, 19:00 in Mexico City, and 02:00 in Spain on April 19. This clash, the antepenultimate fixture of the regular phase, is expected to be fiercely contested as both teams vie for a place in the Liguilla.
Just three days later, on April 21, Monterrey welcomes Puebla to the Estadio BBVA for the penultimate matchday. Scheduled for 23:00 US time (21:00 Mexico City, 04:00 Spain on April 22), this encounter is widely viewed as a golden opportunity for Monterrey. Puebla, historically one of the league’s more vulnerable sides, presents a chance for the Rayados to claim vital points. As the article notes, "the cuadro blanquiazul is one of the most endebles, so it should be a favorable match." Anything less than a win could spell disaster for Monterrey’s playoff hopes.
The regular season finale looms on April 26, when Monterrey travels to Torreón, Coahuila, to face Santos Laguna at Estadio Corona. Set for 19:00 US time (17:00 Mexico City, midnight in Spain on April 27), this match is viewed as winnable—Santos Laguna currently languishes at the bottom of the table. For Monterrey, three points here could be the difference between making the postseason or watching from the sidelines. As the schedule outlines, "this will be the last match for the Pandilla before the Liguilla, against the worst team in the tournament, and should be a very winnable game to ensure three points and avoid depending on other results."
For fans eager to follow Monterrey’s journey, broadcast options abound. In the United States, Monterrey’s Liga MX fixtures are available on Fubo, TUDN, Univision, Telemundo, ViX, and DirecTV Stream, with Fubo especially recommended for its five-day free trial and user-friendly platform. Spanish-language commentary is provided on TUDN and Univision, and matches can be streamed through Fubo. Internationally, viewers can catch games on Televisa, TV Azteca, and Blim TV in Mexico; Premier Sports and ViX in the UK; Fubo Latino in Canada; Movistar+ and DAZN Spain in Spain; and SBS Viceland and Paramount+ in Australia. For those interested in the club’s storied history, the documentary series 'Iconic Clubs: CF Monterrey' is available on DAZN.
As for Chivas, their focus remains on maintaining momentum at the summit of the standings. The club’s leadership and fan base are united behind the goal of finishing strong and entering the postseason in top form. The warm reception in Monterrey is more than just tradition—it’s a testament to the enduring appeal of one of Mexico’s most beloved teams. The club’s official communication underscored the importance of this moment: "The mission is clear: deliver another strong performance and secure all three points to remain at the top of the standings heading into the final stretch of the regular season."
Meanwhile, Monterrey’s faithful are left hoping for a late-season turnaround. The disappointment of an early exit from the CONCACAF Champions Cup and a string of underwhelming league results have tested the resolve of fans and players alike. Yet, with three matches remaining and the playoff picture still unsettled, there’s everything to play for. The next two weeks will be decisive in determining whether Monterrey can recapture the form that made them one of Mexico’s most feared clubs or if this season will end in frustration.
As the Clausura 2026 regular season draws to a close, both Chivas and Monterrey find themselves at pivotal crossroads—one aiming to cement its dominance, the other fighting for survival. The drama is far from over, and with each match, the stakes only get higher. Fans across Mexico and beyond will be watching every kick, every save, and every goal as the race for the Liguilla reaches its dramatic conclusion.