Monterrey secured a controversial 3-1 victory over Pumas UNAM on March 16, 2025, during the 12th round of the Liga MX Clausura Tournament, but the match was marred by high tensions and the notable sending-off of Sergio Ramos.
The 38-year-old Spaniard, who joined Monterrey as a free agent after leaving Sevilla, received his first red card for the club just before the end of the game, making it the 30th red card of his illustrious career. The incident occurred deep in stoppage time when Ramos kicked out at Pumas forward Guillermo Martínez after the ball had gone out of play. Although Ramos' team was leading 3-1 at the time, the act of recklessness certainly overshadowed the result of the match.
Despite the red card, the evening was still significant for Ramos on the pitch. He had made headlines previously by scoring three goals over his first five matches with Los Rayados. "Very important win away from home against a difficult team," Ramos tweeted after the game. "Time to rest and prepare for what’s next. P.S.: It was obvious I couldn’t leave this league without a red card. +3 and onwards!"
Ramos’ dismissal elicited mixed reactions, especially from the opposing team's head coach, Efraín Juárez. He pointed to earlier incidents during the match, particularly one where Ramos elbowed Pablo Bennevendo, asserting, "I believe their center-back should have been sent off in the 20th minute. No matter who he is, he should set an example. If one of our players had done the same, he would have been sent off in the 20th minute, not the 90th." Juárez expressed frustration not just at the officiator's decisions, but also at the actions of Ramos, stating, "There are some things which simply don’t belong in the game."
The encounter at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario saw Monterrey take the lead early, thanks to Sergio Canales, who converted a penalty after being fouled by Ángel Azuaje just before halftime. Subsequent goals from Íker Fimbres and Germán Berterame extended Monterrey's lead to 3-0. Martínez did manage to pull one back for Pumas with a late penalty, yet it wasn't enough to alter the outcome.
Ramos' red card signals not only his infamous history as one of football's most carded players, but also highlights the increasingly competitive atmosphere of Liga MX, where each match is fiercely contested. Following the game, Ramos' action was criticized, particularly because he is expected to serve as a role model inside and outside the pitch. He is not just any player; his background with Real Madrid and the national team places him under scrutiny, especially within Mexico's passionate football culture, which demands discipline from its idols.
After his red card, Ramos will miss the next league match against Club Tijuana, who currently sit at the bottom of the Liga MX table. Meanwhile, Monterrey’s coach, Martín Demichelis, managed to breathe a sigh of relief as this win not only eases pressure off his shoulders but also puts Monterrey firmly within the competitive standing as they push for playoff spots.
Looking beyond the domestic league, Ramos and his team are preparing to participate in the revamped FIFA Club World Cup this summer. Monterrey has been drawn to Group E, featuring notable clubs such as Inter Milan and River Plate. The tournament promises to be grand, incorporating 32 teams from across the globe and taking place across 12 venues nationwide.
With so much excitement swirling around Monterrey as they navigate both Liga MX and international tournaments, the addition of Ramos brings both weight and expectation. The veteran defender, who has made headlines numerous times for his fiery competitive spirit and on-field antics, will now have to face keeping his cool as he leads his team forward.
For Ramos and Monterrey, time will tell whether this victory serves as just another win or whether it ignites their campaign for greater triumphs as they compete both at home and on the world stage.
