Monterrey, MX - In a significant blow for Rayados, Sergio Ramos has been ruled out for the crucial second leg of the Quarter Finals in the Clausura 2025 against Toluca, despite returning to training with the team on Friday, May 9, 2025. The Spanish defender has been sidelined for nearly three weeks due to a knee injury sustained during Jornada 17 against León, and while he participated in practice under head coach Martín Demichelis, the decision was made to prioritize his recovery.
Ramos, who has been a pivotal figure in Monterrey's defense since his arrival, has missed three consecutive matches, including both Play-In games against Pachuca and Pumas, as well as the first leg of the Quarter Finals against Toluca held at the 'Gigante de Acero'. His absence is felt keenly as the team prepares to face the 'Diablos Rojos' on Saturday, May 10, 2025, as visitors.
During the final training session before the match, Ramos worked alongside his teammates, showing signs of improvement. However, Demichelis ultimately decided against risking the veteran defender, opting to give him additional time for rest and rehabilitation. "The coaching staff decided not to risk the veteran central defender, prioritizing his full recovery," noted a report from TUDN.
With Ramos out, the coaching staff has a few options to fill the gap in defense. They could either maintain the tactical setup used in the first leg, featuring Víctor Guzmán in central defense alongside Jorge Rodríguez and Fidel Ambriz, or revert to a more traditional formation with Stefan Medina partnering with Guzmán at the back.
Since joining Monterrey, Ramos has made nine appearances across Liga MX and the CONCACAF Champions Cup, scoring four goals. However, his defensive contributions have been less impactful, with only two matches resulting in clean sheets. His experience and leadership have been invaluable, but the team will have to rely on other players to step up in his absence.
Rayados head into the second leg of the Quarter Finals with a solid advantage, having secured a 2-0 victory in the first leg against Toluca. The team is confident in their chances of advancing to the Semifinals, but they will need to perform well without one of their key players. "The team is confident in obtaining their pass to the Semifinals of Mexican football," said Diego Medina, a reporter for TUDN.
As the match approaches, the anticipation builds among fans and players alike. The atmosphere is electric, and there is a sense of urgency to capitalize on the momentum gained from the first leg. With Ramos sidelined, it will be crucial for the remaining defenders to maintain their focus and execute their game plan effectively.
In the lead-up to the match, the coaching staff has been evaluating the squad's fitness and readiness. Erick Aguirre, another player who has been struggling with fitness, will also be absent from the lineup. The final decision on the starting eleven will be made shortly before kickoff, but the team is expected to stick with a similar lineup to the one that achieved success in the first leg.
As the clock ticks down to match time, all eyes will be on Rayados as they seek to secure their place in the next round of the Liguilla. The absence of Ramos is a setback, but the team's depth and determination may just be enough to carry them through this critical encounter. Will they rise to the occasion and advance, or will Toluca pull off a surprise comeback?
Fans are eager to see how Rayados responds to this challenge. The stakes have never been higher, and the pressure is on the players to deliver a strong performance in front of their loyal supporters. The match promises to be a thrilling contest, and the outcome remains uncertain as both teams prepare for battle.
