This Sunday, Rayados de Monterrey will face Club América at Estadio BBVA for the decisive match of the Liga MX Apertura 2024. Monterrey, coached by Martín Demichelis, is aiming to overturn their previous match's result after falling 2-1 against the América team. Yet, the big news for the Mexican side is the absence of Lucas Ocampos, one of their key players.
Ocampos unfortunately suffered a muscle injury just two minutes after the kickoff of the first leg match held at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, leading to his exclusion not only from the first leg but also the highly anticipated second leg. It was evident during the first match how much his absence affected the Rayados, as they lost significant offensive power which cost them dearly against América.
Rayados started the series positively when Sergio Canales scored first, putting them at the advantage, yet the Águilas responded with two goals, securing their lead for the match at BBVA. Consequently, Demichelis and his squad must now seek redemption, knowing the significant impact Ocampos had throughout the Apertura 2024 season before his unfortunate injury.
Ocampos’ injury has raised concerns about the protocols associated with the pre-match warm-up designs. During the warm-ups leading to their final match, Henry Martín, another striker, similarly sustained an injury which kept him from completing the match efficiently. Medical experts note warm-ups typically last about 20 to 30 minutes and focus on preparing players physically for the intensity of the match, through exercises like jogging, dynamic stretching, and ball touches. Unfortunately, if there’s too long of inactivity afterward—due to delays for the national anthem or referee inspections—the risk of injury increases significantly. This proved true for both Ocampos and Martín.
Despite being sidelined, Ocampos expressed deep pride about reaching this final with Monterrey. "Es un privilegio que nos toca vivir hoy jugar una nueva final en este estadio," he stated, emphasizing the collective determination of the team and fans alike. He appealed to the fans to keep their spirits high throughout the match, declaring, "la ilusión los 90 minutos, el equipo va a dejar todo…" indicating there’s still hope for their championship dreams.
After the match, emotions ran high. Ocampos was seen leaving the stadium visibly affected by the loss. He had hoped to be on the pitch to help make history for Monterrey, but instead, he bravely cheered on from the sidelines. Just hours earlier, arriving with his teammates, he took time to motivate them, ensuring they felt his support, even if he couldn't physically compete.
During the high-stakes final, the atmosphere was electric, though the injury to Ocampos dampened some spirits after being such an impactful player throughout the season. Montrerrey fans had rallied around him, knowing well his contributions—scoring two goals and providing four assists throughout the season—and felt his absence deeply as they aimed to secure their sixth title.
The team’s quest for greatness also found emotion from another sidelined player, Jordi Cortizo, who fought back tears as he witnessed his team ready their championship challenge. Cortizo has been out following his own injury, yet his emotional reaction signifies the devotion shared among the Monterrey players and their loyal fanbase, who stand shoulder-to-shoulder through victories and defeats.
Regrettably, the final results did not tilt in Monterrey's favor. Following the match, the resounding cheers of América's fans echoed as they celebrated becoming the first team to achieve the 'tricampeón' title in Liga MX's short tournament history. Ocampos, filled with bittersweet sentiments, experienced both the thrill of being there for his team and the frustration of missing the chance to change the game on the field.
Though the season ended short of their championship goal, Ocampos’ presence and encouragement likely infused the Rayados with determination, reflecting the essence of teamwork and resilience. The commitment the players displayed together, with or without injuries, embodies what football is all about.
Looking forward, Monterrey will undoubtedly recalibrate and aim higher for future tournaments, ensuring the likes of Ocampos—and all players—can contribute to fulfilling the team's aspirations for glory on the pitch once again.
