In a thrilling conclusion to the Clausura 2025, Rayadas de Monterrey secured a decisive 2-0 victory over León Femenil at the Estadio BBVA on Friday, April 18, 2025. This match not only marked the end of the regular season but also solidified Rayadas' position as a formidable contender heading into the playoffs.
The game kicked off at 20:10 hours, central Mexico time, with Rayadas entering the match in sixth place, seeking to improve their standing ahead of the quarter-finals. With 30 points from nine wins, three draws, and four losses, they were determined to finish strong. Their recent form had been impressive, coming off a 3-1 victory against Querétaro and riding a four-match unbeaten streak.
From the outset, Rayadas showcased their attacking prowess. Just eight minutes into the match, Zellyka Arce opened the scoring with a brilliant goal, capitalizing on an assist from Diana Evangelista. Arce's precise finish found the back of the net, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and putting Rayadas ahead early.
As the match progressed, León struggled to find their rhythm. Despite their efforts to penetrate the Rayadas' defense, they were met with a solid performance from the home side, who had not conceded a goal to León at Estadio BBVA in the last 248 minutes. The pressure mounted on León as they attempted to respond, but Rayadas' defense held firm.
In the 24th minute, the home team doubled their lead when Christina Burkenroad scored following a well-placed cross from Merel Van Dongen. Burkenroad's header was a testament to Rayadas' dominance in the air and further solidified their control over the match.
León, who came into the game sitting in tenth place with 21 points, had little to lose but found it challenging to make a significant impact. Their recent form included a 3-1 victory over Santos Laguna, but they were unable to replicate that success against the reigning champions. With a history of 14 losses in 19 encounters against Rayadas, the odds were stacked against them.
As the match approached its final minutes, the referee added three minutes of stoppage time, allowing León a last chance to claw back into the game. However, their attempts were thwarted, and they could not capitalize on a late opportunity when Taylor Smith's shot hit the crossbar.
With the final whistle, Rayadas celebrated a well-deserved 2-0 victory. Coach Amelia Valverde expressed her satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, "We knew the importance of this match and the need to secure our position in the playoffs. The girls played exceptionally well, and this win gives us momentum heading into the next round."
The victory not only solidified Rayadas' standing but also highlighted their offensive capabilities, having scored 59 goals in their last 19 matches against León. The team now looks forward to the quarter-finals, where they hope to continue their strong form.
As for León, the focus shifts to regrouping after a disappointing season. Under the guidance of Alejandro Corona, they will need to reflect on their performance and prepare for the next campaign, aiming to improve upon their tenth-place finish.
In conclusion, the match served as a fitting end to the regular season for Rayadas, who are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. Their victory over León not only showcased their skill and determination but also set the stage for an exciting postseason in the Liga MX Femenil.
