In a stunning turn of events, Monterrey's Rayados fell to Tijuana's Xolos 2-1 at the Estadio BBVA on March 29, 2025, leaving the team in a precarious position as they fight for a spot in the Liguilla. The defeat, which marked a disappointing performance at home, has cast doubt on the future of head coach Martín Demichelis, who faces mounting pressure from fans and management alike.
From the outset, it was clear that the Rayados were struggling. Despite their intentions to control the game, they were unable to find depth or clarity in their play. Tijuana, on the other hand, capitalized on Monterrey's defensive lapses. In the 17th minute, Raúl Zúñiga took advantage of a defensive error, slipping past Stefan Medina and Hector Moreno to score with a precise right-footed shot, putting the Xolos ahead 1-0.
Monterrey quickly responded, however, when Lucas Ocampos was fouled in the box just four minutes later. Sergio Canales stepped up to take the penalty, coolly converting it into the left corner of the net, leaving goalkeeper Antonio Rodríguez with no chance. The equalizer seemed to invigorate the home side, but it was short-lived.
As the match progressed, both teams struggled to capitalize on opportunities. Monterrey's Germán Berterame squandered two clear chances, one of which came after a well-placed pass from Canales in the 55th minute, and another in the 67th minute when he shot over the bar from close range.
Despite their efforts, it was Tijuana who would have the final say. In the 82nd minute, Gilberto Mora found space in the Rayados' defense and made no mistake, firing home to secure a vital victory for the Xolos. The goal silenced the home crowd, who had already been frustrated by their team's lackluster performance.
After the final whistle, the atmosphere at the Estadio BBVA was tense. Fans expressed their discontent with boos directed at the players, particularly towards Demichelis, whose position as head coach is now under serious scrutiny. In a post-match press conference, Demichelis acknowledged the fans' frustrations and apologized for the team's poor performance. “I understand the discontent of the fans, and as the leader of the group, I must take responsibility for the situation we are going through,” he said. “We are going to work very hard to turn this around.”
Demichelis, however, made it clear that he has no intention of resigning. “I’m not going to shy away from the difficult times. Those who know me understand that I’m not one to give up easily,” he asserted, emphasizing his commitment to the club and his desire to fight until the end. He expressed gratitude for the support he has received from both the board and the players, stating, “We have a contract, and we intend to fulfill it.”
In light of the recent results, the pressure is mounting. Monterrey now sits in ninth place with just 19 points, and the road to the Liguilla is becoming increasingly challenging. With only four matches left in the regular season, Demichelis is determined to rally his squad and push for a place in the playoffs. “There are four matches left to try to climb up the standings and get into the top ten. After that, the Liguilla allows us to compete with anyone,” he noted, remaining optimistic despite the current turmoil.
The upcoming fixtures will be crucial for both Demichelis and the Rayados. As they prepare for their next match, the focus will be on correcting the mistakes that have plagued their recent performances. The team must find a way to convert their chances into goals and tighten their defense to avoid further slip-ups.
As the club navigates this challenging period, fans will be watching closely to see if Demichelis can turn the tide and restore confidence in a team that has the talent but has struggled to deliver results on the pitch. The stakes are high, and the pressure is palpable as the Rayados look to rebound from this disappointing defeat and make a push for the playoffs.
In conclusion, the loss to Tijuana not only complicates Monterrey's playoff aspirations but also raises questions about the future of Martín Demichelis. With the support of the fans wavering and the team in a critical position, the coming weeks will be pivotal in determining both the fate of the coach and the club's season.
