On Saturday, April 5, 2025, Monterrey showcased a dominant performance against Chivas de Guadalajara, securing a 3-1 victory at the Estadio BBVA. This win significantly bolstered Monterrey's chances of qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Clausura 2025 in Mexican football.
The match began with Monterrey asserting their control early on. Roberto de la Rosa opened the scoring in the 9th minute with a precise left-footed shot that found the back of the net, capitalizing on a defensive lapse from Chivas. Following this, Germán Berterame extended the lead to 2-0 with a well-placed right-footed shot during a counterattack, showcasing Monterrey's quick transition play.
Despite being on the back foot, Chivas attempted to respond after halftime. Roberto Alvarado managed to pull one back for the Guadalajara side in the 51st minute, receiving a pass from Luis Romo and skillfully evading Monterrey's goalkeeper Esteban Andrada. This goal sparked a brief resurgence for Chivas, who began to apply pressure in hopes of equalizing.
However, the momentum shifted dramatically when Romo received a red card in the 81st minute for insulting the referee, leaving Chivas a man down. This crucial turning point allowed Monterrey to regain control of the match. In the 86th minute, Nelson Deossa sealed the victory with a stunning left-footed strike from outside the box, bringing the final score to 3-1.
Monterrey's victory not only lifted them to eighth place in the league standings with 22 points, but it also marked a critical moment for a team that has faced scrutiny in recent weeks. The absence of star player Sergio Canales, who missed the match due to a leg injury sustained during an altercation with head coach Martín Demichelis, was a significant factor. Canales had kicked a door in frustration after a training dispute, resulting in a cut that required stitches.
Despite the turmoil surrounding Canales, Monterrey displayed resilience and teamwork throughout the match. Coach Demichelis expressed satisfaction with the performance, particularly highlighting the first-half display as one of the best of the season. "The team showed great character and determination, especially after the challenges we've faced this week," Demichelis said post-match.
Chivas, on the other hand, continued to struggle with consistency. The team, which had high hopes of making a strong playoff push, now finds itself in a precarious position, having failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities during the match. Javier 'Chicharito' Hernández, the team's talisman, was once again unable to inspire his teammates to victory.
As the match concluded, the Monterrey fans erupted in celebration, relieved to see their team return to winning ways. The victory against Chivas not only provided crucial points but also served as a confidence booster for a squad that has been under pressure to perform.
Moving forward, Monterrey will need to build on this momentum as they prepare for their next fixtures in the Clausura 2025. The win against Chivas is a reminder of their potential when firing on all cylinders, and they will hope to carry this form into the upcoming matches.
In summary, Monterrey's 3-1 victory over Chivas de Guadalajara was a significant step in their quest for playoff contention. With players like De la Rosa and Berterame stepping up in the absence of Canales, the team looks poised to make a strong push as the season progresses.
