On Sunday, April 27, 2025, the Estadio BBVA will be the battleground for a crucial match between Rayados de Monterrey and Pachuca, as both teams vie for a coveted spot in the quarterfinals of the Liga MX Clausura 2025. Scheduled to kick off at 19:30 (CDMX time), this matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, given both teams' rollercoaster seasons.
Rayados, who finished the regular season in seventh place, will be looking to capitalize on their home advantage. However, they face a significant setback as they will be without three key players: Sergio Ramos, Sergio Canales, and Oliver Torres. All three players are sidelined due to various injuries, which could heavily impact the team's performance.
Sergio Ramos, the high-profile signing from Sevilla, has been a pivotal figure for Monterrey since joining the squad. Unfortunately, he sustained a knee injury during the last regular-season match against León, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Rayados. Ramos had to leave the field after experiencing discomfort, and despite receiving an extra day of rest, he has not been cleared to play against Pachuca.
“Sergio Ramos is recovering from a muscle injury sustained in the last match against León,” said coach Martín Demichelis. “We can’t risk him in such a critical game.” The absence of Ramos leaves a considerable void in the defense, as he has been instrumental in stabilizing the backline throughout the season.
In addition to Ramos, Sergio Canales will also miss the match due to a muscle injury that has kept him out of action for the last three games. His creative midfield presence will be sorely missed, as he has been a key playmaker for the team. Meanwhile, Oliver Torres is dealing with bone edema in his left ankle, which has prevented him from participating as well.
Despite these challenges, Monterrey remains hopeful. The team will rely on players like Nelson Deossa, who has stepped up in the absence of Canales and has been performing well. Deossa's recent form could be crucial as Rayados look to penetrate Pachuca's defense.
Pachuca, on the other hand, enters the match as the eighth seed and will be eager to upset the home team. Managed by Guillermo Almada, Pachuca has shown resilience this season, capable of competing at a high level despite their inconsistencies. They will look to their star forward, Venezuelan Salomón Rondón, to lead the attack against a depleted Monterrey defense.
“We know how to play decisive matches, and we’re ready to take on the challenge,” Rondón stated ahead of the game. With a strong offensive lineup that includes Rondón, Brazilian John Kennedy, and Moroccan Oussama Idrissi, Pachuca will aim to exploit any weaknesses in Monterrey's defense.
This match is not just about advancing to the quarterfinals; it also carries significant implications for both teams' seasons. The winner will secure a spot in the next round, where they will face América, while the loser will have a second chance in the Play-In against the winner of the Juárez FC vs. Pumas match. This double-elimination format adds an extra layer of pressure to the encounter, making every moment crucial.
Historically, matches between Monterrey and Pachuca have been fiercely contested, and this one is expected to be no different. The rivalry, fueled by both teams' ambitions to claim the Liga MX title, sets the stage for an intense battle.
Fans of both teams are gearing up for what promises to be a high-octane match. With the stakes so high, both sides will need to bring their A-game to secure a spot in the quarterfinals.
In conclusion, as the clock ticks down to kickoff, all eyes will be on the Estadio BBVA. Can Monterrey overcome the absence of their stars and secure a vital win, or will Pachuca capitalize on the opportunity to move forward? The answer awaits as these two teams clash in a pivotal match for the Liga MX Clausura 2025.
