In a dramatic showdown on April 27, 2025, Monterrey fell to Pachuca 2-1 at home in the Play-In of the Liga MX Clausura 2025, leaving them on the brink of elimination from the playoffs. The match, held at the Estadio BBVA, saw Monterrey take an early lead, only to succumb to a late comeback from Pachuca, who secured their spot in the Liguilla.
The game kicked off with Pachuca showing strong possession, but it was Monterrey who struck first. Germán Berterame put the home team ahead in the 50th minute, capitalizing on a beautiful assist from Jesús Manuel Corona. Berterame's deft touch sent the ball into the upper corner of the net, leaving Pachuca's goalkeeper, Carlos Moreno, with no chance. This goal marked a crucial moment for Monterrey, who had been seeking a strong performance after several disappointing outings.
Despite the early advantage, Monterrey struggled to maintain their momentum. Pachuca, under the guidance of coach Guillermo Almada, pressed hard for an equalizer and came close on multiple occasions. Their persistence paid off in the 81st minute when Eduardo Bauermann found the back of the net, leveling the score at 1-1 after a corner kick led to a chaotic scramble in the box.
As the match neared its conclusion, the tension escalated. Monterrey's goalkeeper, Esteban Andrada, made a critical error in the 87th minute. After a powerful shot from Oussama Idrissi was parried, the ball fell directly to Salomón Rondón, who made no mistake in scoring the winning goal for Pachuca. This late strike sealed the fate of Monterrey, who now face a must-win situation against Pumas in their next match to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Monterrey's coach, Martín Demichelis, expressed disappointment following the match. "We had the game in our hands, and it slipped away due to mistakes we can't afford at this level," he said. The team was also missing key players, including Sergio Ramos, Sergio Canales, and Óliver Torres, due to injuries, which undoubtedly affected their performance.
The loss means Monterrey will now play against Pumas for the last available spot in the Liguilla. Pumas, who advanced after a tense penalty shootout against Juárez, will pose a significant challenge for Monterrey. The match is set to be a do-or-die encounter, and the pressure will be immense for the home side to deliver a strong performance in front of their fans.
On the other hand, Pachuca's victory not only secured their place in the Liguilla but also set them up for a quarterfinal clash against América, the second seed in the tournament. This matchup will be a rematch of previous finals, adding an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming playoff rounds.
Overall, the match showcased the unpredictability of the Liga MX playoffs. Monterrey, once seen as a strong contender, must now regroup and refocus as they prepare for their critical matchup against Pumas. Fans will be hoping for a swift turnaround as the team looks to redeem themselves and secure a place in the postseason.
In conclusion, the upcoming clash against Pumas will be a defining moment for Monterrey's season. With their playoff aspirations hanging by a thread, the team must harness their home advantage and deliver a performance that reflects their potential. The stakes couldn't be higher as they aim to keep their championship dreams alive.
