Rayados Monterrey will host Forge FC on February 11, 2025, at Estadio BBVA for the second leg of their match in the CONCACAF Champions Cup. After securing a 2-0 victory during the first leg played in Hamilton, Canada, Monterrey is heavily favored to advance to the next round of the tournament.
Having scored two impressive goals from Nelson Deossa and Jordi Cortizo, Monterrey now only needs to avoid defeat by two or more goals to secure their progression. The team, coached by Martín Demichelis, has solidified its status as potential champions due to the depth and quality of its roster, making them clear favorites for this contest.
Forge FC, on the other hand, is facing considerable pressure as they land on Mexican soil with hopes of pulling off what would be described as an improbable upset. The Hamilton-based team has never scored more than one goal in any match during their previous Champions Cup competitions, making their task even more challenging. They will need to dig deep and explore offensive strategies to not only nullify Monterrey's attack but also create scoring opportunities of their own.
Kick-off for this highly anticipated encounter is set for 8 pm ET (5 pm PT), and fans can catch the action live through various streaming options including Fubo, DirecTV Stream, TUDN, and FS2. For those unable to watch the game via traditional channels, Tubi offers free streaming options requiring only account setup.
Both teams come to this matchup with bolstered expectations following their recent performances. Though Rayados recently faced disappointment after losing to FC Juarez 2-1, they will aim to leave this setback behind as they return to the international stage. The club is also buzzing with excitement surrounding the recent signing of legendary defender Sergio Ramos, who, though not yet making his debut, has ignited hope and enthusiasm among fans.
Forge FC head coach Bobby Smyrniotis will be looking for ways to increase the attacking efforts of his squad to overcome the two-goal deficit. Their last encounter showed missed chances from key players like Brian Wright and Alex Achinioti-Jonsson, whose failures to convert left fans anxious for more clinical finishing as they attempt to change their fortunes away from home.
The stakes could not be higher for Forge during this competition. They have historically faced struggles against Mexican teams and will look to turn this trend around as they kick off the new year’s competitive schedule, grappling with the challenges of shifting gears to regain momentum for the Canadian Premier League season. With their first major test against Monterrey, Forge aims to bounce back from failure as they strive to write their name down as one of the few teams to successfully advance past this stage.
Following the initial leg, the focus is now not just about scoring, but also solidifying their defenses to keep Rayados at bay. Notably, Forge's key playmaker Kyle Bekker will be pivotal to their strategies, especially as they crave the first victory against Mexican opposition—a significant milestone for the club.
On the other side, Monterrey's lineup is predominantly formed by experienced players having proven records and capabilities. With clean sheets upheld by goalkeeper Luis Cardenas, the team anticipates showcasing their tactical prowess as they take the stage with confidence established through their prior outing against Forge. During this game, injuries to Carlos Salcedo, Lucas Ocampos, and Victor Guzman will keep them sidelined, yet Monterrey continues to boast depth in each position.
The excitement leading up to the match is palpable, with fans eager to witness their squad secure the win, keeping ambition alive for advancing beyond the group stage. Consequently, Forge’s participation is similarly steeped with hope as they aspire to make history by pushing their limits against high-caliber teams like Rayados.
The dynamic at Estadio BBVA is set to be electric, with supporters rallying behind their team, hopeful for the anticipated showdown. With the confluence of competitive spirit and footballing glory at stake, the fans are assured of an engaging match.
While Rayados dreams of clinching their third CONCACAF title, Forge wants nothing more than to hold onto ambition and strive for enduring legacy. The match is more than just scores; it’s about narratives, dreams, and resilience on the grand stage of football.