In a thrilling encounter at the Estadio Universitario, Tigres UANL staged a dramatic comeback to defeat their fierce rivals, Monterrey, 2-1 in the Clásico Regio of the Clausura 2025 Liga MX tournament. The match, marked by intense rivalry and high stakes, saw Sergio Ramos open the scoring with a penalty, only for Tigres to respond with two late goals, sealing a memorable victory.
The action kicked off with both teams eager to assert their dominance. Sergio Ramos, the veteran Spanish defender and Monterrey's captain, made headlines by scoring his first goal in a Clásico Regio. In the 51st minute, Ramos stepped up to take a penalty after Diego Lainez was sent off for a second yellow card, following a foul on Nelson Deossa.
Ramos, known for his composure under pressure, faced Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán, who attempted to distract him by turning his back just before the kick. However, Ramos remained unfazed, executing the penalty with precision and power, sending the ball past Guzmán to give Monterrey a 1-0 lead. This goal marked Ramos's third in Liga MX, having previously scored against Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul, and added to his tally in the Concachampions against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
As the match progressed, it appeared that Monterrey would hold onto their lead. However, Tigres had other plans. With the clock ticking down, Sebastián Córdova equalized in the 90th minute with a clever free-kick routine that caught the Monterrey defense off guard. Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, Nicolás Ibáñez rose to the occasion, scoring a header in the 90+5 minute to complete the comeback and send the home crowd into a frenzy.
With this victory, Tigres climbed to 29 points in the league standings, solidifying their position among the top teams, while Monterrey remained stagnant at 22 points. The defeat left Monterrey's coach, Martín Demichelis, facing questions about his team's performance and strategy as they prepare for their upcoming matches against América and León.
The Clásico Regio has always been a showcase of passion and rivalry, and this edition was no different. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, with fans from both sides creating a vibrant backdrop for the match. Ramos's opening goal was celebrated passionately, highlighting the significance of the moment in a game steeped in history.
After the match, Ramos reflected on the experience, stating, "It was a special moment for me, scoring in such an important match. But ultimately, we wanted the win, and we need to regroup and focus on our next challenges." His leadership on the field continues to be a crucial element for Monterrey as they navigate the competitive landscape of Liga MX.
As the league heads into its final stretch, every point is crucial. Teams are vying for playoff positions, and the intensity is palpable. Tigres's victory not only boosts their confidence but also puts pressure on Monterrey to perform better in the remaining matches of the season.
In other Liga MX action, León secured a 1-0 victory over Puebla thanks to a goal from Andrés Guardado, while Toluca triumphed over Atlas 3-2, with Paulo Dias 'Paulinho' scoring a hat trick. Meanwhile, Pachuca outlasted Necaxa in a high-scoring affair, winning 5-3 with Salomón Rondón netting three goals.
As the season progresses, fans can expect more thrilling encounters and dramatic finishes as teams battle for supremacy in Liga MX. The Clásico Regio showcased the heart and determination of both squads, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the Clausura 2025 tournament.
With only a few matches left in the regular season, the race for the playoffs intensifies. Teams like Tigres and Toluca are looking to solidify their spots, while Monterrey must regroup quickly to avoid slipping further down the standings. The next jornada promises to deliver more excitement and drama as teams push for their playoff aspirations.
