The stage was set at the Estadio Universitario for the much-anticipated Clásico Regio as Tigres UANL faced off against their fierce rivals, Monterrey, on April 13, 2025. This match, part of the Liga MX Clausura 2025, was not just another game; it was a battle for pride, history, and crucial points in the league standings. With both teams vying for a spot in the playoffs, the stakes were higher than ever.
As the match kicked off, the atmosphere was electric, with fans from both sides filling the stadium with chants and colors. Tigres, led by their coach Guido Pizarro, entered the match sitting seventh in the league with 26 points, while Monterrey, under the guidance of Martín Demichelis, was eighth with 22 points. The history between these two clubs added an extra layer of intensity, as Tigres had won 45 of the 126 official encounters, compared to Monterrey's 42 victories.
The first half of the match was a tense affair, with both teams creating chances but failing to find the back of the net. Tigres seemed to have the upper hand, controlling the ball and pushing forward. Notably, Juan Brunetta came close to scoring in the 7th minute, striking the crossbar with a powerful shot that had the crowd on their feet. Despite their efforts, the first half ended 0-0, leaving fans eager for what the second half would bring.
As the second half began, the dynamics of the game shifted dramatically. In the 51st minute, a crucial moment unfolded when Tigres' Diego Lainez committed a foul inside the penalty area, leading to a penalty for Monterrey. The young star was shown a second yellow card and sent off, leaving Tigres with ten men. This was a turning point in the match.
Stepping up to take the penalty was none other than Sergio Ramos, a player known for his composure in high-pressure situations. As he prepared to take the kick, Tigres' goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán attempted to distract him with a unique dance on the goal line. However, Ramos remained unfazed, striking the ball low and hard to the left side of the goal, beating Guzmán to put Monterrey ahead 1-0.
With Monterrey now in the lead, the tension escalated. Tigres, determined to respond, upped their attacking efforts. They were rewarded in the 88th minute when Sebastián Córdova scored from a free kick awarded after a foul on Joaquim Pereira. Córdova's shot slipped through the wall and into the net, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting the home crowd.
The drama didn't stop there. Just minutes later, in the 90+4 minute, Nicolás Ibáñez scored a stunning header from a cross by Fernando Gorriarán, completing the comeback for Tigres and making it 2-1. The stadium erupted as fans celebrated what seemed like a miraculous turnaround.
However, the match was marred by chaos as both teams faced disciplinary actions. In the 73rd minute, Monterrey's Óliver Torres was shown a red card for a foul on Rómulo Zanre, and moments later, Germán Berterame was ejected for arguing with the referee. The expulsions led to a tense atmosphere on the field, with both coaches expressing their frustrations to the officials.
In the dying moments of the game, Monterrey had a chance to equalize when Ramos took a free kick that rattled the crossbar in the 90+9 minute, but it was too little, too late. The final whistle blew, confirming Tigres' 2-1 victory over Monterrey, marking their 50th win in the Clásico Regio.
This match not only showcased the fierce rivalry between the two clubs but also highlighted the emotional rollercoaster that comes with such encounters. Tigres' victory solidified their position in the playoff race, while Monterrey would have to regroup and focus on their remaining matches to secure a spot.
As both teams look ahead, the Clásico Regio once again delivered a thrilling spectacle, reminding fans why this rivalry is one of the most passionate in Mexican football. The victory for Tigres serves as a testament to their resilience and determination, qualities that will be crucial as they push towards the end of the season.
