Sergio Ramos marked his anticipated debut in Liga MX with Monterrey, stepping onto the pitch at Estadio BBVA as the team faced Atlético San Luis. The occasion was not just significant for Ramos, who had been sidelined for over eight months, but also for the fans who awaited this moment with eager anticipation. Dressed in the unusual number 93, which he chose to commemorate his memorable Champions League goal against Atlético Madrid, Ramos began the match as captain, leading his new teammates onto the field.
The February 22, 2025, match had all the hallmarks of excitement as the local crowd packed the stadium to support their new star. From the moment Ramos arrived, he was greeted with loud applause, and the affection continued as he took time to embrace Monty, the team’s mascot, showcasing his approachable demeanor. With every touch of the ball, the cheers from the loyal Monterrey followers grew, signaling their support for the Spanish defender.
Ramos quickly established his presence on the field, getting his first touch just seconds after the game began. He played with assurance, demonstrating leadership by rallying his defensive teammates, including Gerardo Arteaga and Stefan Medina. By the 46-second mark, he was already receiving praise for his awareness and engagement. His early touches were met with thunderous applause, affirming his status as the star of Rayados—an important integration for the club.
The match unfolded with Monterrey pressing from the start, and Ramos, ever the formidable presence, contributed both defensively and offensively. Within the first 20 minutes, he had his first scoring opportunity, heading the ball just wide of the Atléticos' net after a well-placed cross. The home team dominated the game, and it wasn’t long before they found the back of the net. At the 23-minute mark, Óliver Torres broke through and passed to Germán Berterame, who converted, putting Monterrey up 1-0.
Later, Torres made it 2-0 with another opportunistic finish following confusion among the San Luis defense. With the Rayados firmly in control, Ramos’s role was pivotal. His defensive acumen showed on several occasions, slicing through potential threats with skillful tackles. His second strike came shortly after, yet again he missed narrowly, but the crowd remained behind him, excited for what the future holds.
Fans were on their feet as Monterrey scored their third goal with Berterame heading in from close range after another well-executed cross from Ramos’ teammate, Sergio Canales. This put Ramos’ debut firmly on track for his and his team’s successful outing. Even with San Luis managing to net one back through Vitor Ferreira late on, the final whistle blew with Monterrey holding on for a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Social media exploded with reactions, showcasing Ramos’ debut as not only historic for him but also for Liga MX. Fans across the platforms commented on his spirited performance and leadership qualities. Many noted how engaging he was with children at the match and the fans lining the stadium, solidifying his popularity and positive rapport with the Monterrey supporters. "Sergio Ramos debuts with Rayados Monterrey," proclaimed one Twitter user, highlighting his performed promise and future expectations.
Looking forward, Monterrey is set for another match against Mazatlán FC on February 25, promising continued action and hopefully another stellar performance from Ramos. The first game back may have been only one step, but it reiterated the impact he will have on the team. With strong leadership and talent, Ramos is now positioned not just to defend but to drive the team forward—and for fans, this is just the beginning of what could be another thrilling chapter of his illustrious career.