Santos Laguna defender Edson Gutiérrez is focused on turning around his team's fortunes as they prepare to face Monterrey's Rayados in the 10th round of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 tournament. With Santos currently positioned second-to-last in the standings, Gutiérrez acknowledged the importance of showing respect to Rayados' legendary Sergio Ramos by not holding back on the field. "The respect you should show Sergio Ramos is by not showing him any respect on the field," he emphasized, highlighting the competitive spirit expected during their clash.
Following their training session, Gutiérrez expressed enthusiasm for the match, emphasizing his gratitude toward his former club. "I have nothing but gratitude for Rayados. I'm the first one who wants to win this match," he stated, showcasing both respect and determination as Santos Laguna looks to string together their first set of wins for the season.
Meanwhile, the Mazatlán FC Cañoneros are riding high after achieving their most significant victory of the tournament by defeating Monterrey at home during the 9th matchday. Head coach Víctor Manuel Vucetich's team has made headlines, especially due to goalkeeper Hugo González's standout performance. Following the match, Mazatlán's social media team didn't miss the chance to poke fun at the Rayados, referencing González's prior struggles when he played for the team.
Their social media update featured a celebratory image of González kissing his gloves with the caption, "Joy, celebration, and carnival. This is for all Mazatlán fans. See you on Friday to keep #ARREbatando," promoting excitement as they prepare to face Cruz Azul next.
On the officiation front, referee Abraham Quirarte faced scrutiny following his performance during the game between Mazatlán and Monterrey. ESPN's referee analyst Felipe Ramos Rizo took to social media to express his criticism, pointing out negligence concerning a missed penalty for Monterrey. He shared his perspective on the incident by stating, "Penalty for Rayados, foul on Tecatito, neither ref nor VAR," indicating the growing concerns about refereeing standards within the league.
These controversies add to the dramatic narrative of the Liga MX Clausura 2025, which has seen various teams display intense competition. The Ciudad Juárez Bravos made their mark this season, overcoming Tigres UANL on their home field. Coach Martín Varini acknowledged the significant effort from his players, noting the challenges they faced against such formidable competition.
After the match, Varini reflected on the team's determination, stating, "The management was just a few days ago, we were very honest with the players... when there's a team, you can cover some differences in budget, in quality." His insights highlight not only their proud achievement but also the team's vision amid challenges.
Varini also addressed the absence of key player Óscar Estupiñán due to foot issues, indicating it was best for the talented forward to rest for upcoming matches. "Óscar had been dealing with a foot issue... it was best for him to rest," he explained.
Currently, the Bravos stand proudly within the top six of the standings as they look to maintain their momentum. The Liga MX Clausura 2025 season continues to heat up, with each team pushing to improve their rankings as they strive for victories.
With the season well underway, the reactions and performances from these teams shed light on the fierce spirit within Liga MX. From Gutiérrez's respect for Ramos to Vucetich's victorious Cañoneros and Varini's proud Bravos, the tournament is shaping up to provide both drama and excitement as every point becomes increasingly valuable.