In a significant blow to Rayados de Monterrey, captain Sergio Ramos will miss the first leg of the Liga MX quarter-finals against Toluca due to a right thigh injury. This injury, sustained during the last matchday of the Clausura 2025 Tournament against León, has kept the veteran defender sidelined for over two weeks.
Ramos, who has been a pivotal figure in Monterrey's defense since joining the club, was unable to participate in the Play-In matches against Pachuca and Pumas as well. His absence is felt deeply within the team, especially given the importance of this knockout stage in the tournament.
Despite his injury, Ramos was present in a box at the BBVA Stadium to support his teammates during the first leg match on May 7, 2025. The coaching staff, led by Martín Demichelis, opted to prioritize Ramos's full recovery rather than risk aggravating his injury in this crucial game. "We want him back at 100 percent for the return leg," Demichelis stated, emphasizing the team's cautious approach.
In Ramos's absence, Rayados will rely on the defensive pairing of Stefan Medina and Víctor Guzmán, both of whom performed admirably in the recent victory over Pumas. The team is focused on maintaining defensive solidity against Toluca, who finished the regular season at the top of the standings and features prolific forward Paulinho, one of the league's top scorers.
The first leg of the quarter-finals is set to kick off at 19:00 Central Mexico time, with live coverage available on TUDN and ViX Premium. Both teams are eager to secure a favorable result to set the stage for the decisive second leg on May 10 at Estadio Nemesio Diez.
As the match approaches, the atmosphere in Monterrey is charged with anticipation. Fans are hopeful that Ramos will be able to return for the second leg, where his leadership and experience could prove vital in the quest for the championship. The team has shown resilience in his absence, but the prospect of having their captain back is a source of optimism.
Rayados de Monterrey's performance in the quarter-finals will not only depend on their tactical execution but also on the emotional boost that Ramos's potential return could bring. The team has demonstrated that they can compete at a high level, but the experience of a player like Ramos could be the difference-maker in tight matches.
In the context of the tournament, the stakes are high. With the pressure mounting, the upcoming matches will test the depth and character of the Rayados squad. The fans are rallying behind their team, and the hope is that Ramos will soon be back on the pitch, leading the charge in their quest for the Liga MX title.
