When the final whistle blew at Estadio BBVA on November 26, 2025, the roar from the stands wasn’t just celebration—it was disbelief. CF Monterrey had just handed Club América a 2-0 defeat in the first leg of their Liga BBVA MX Apertura quarterfinal, sending shockwaves through Mexican football. The result, confirmed by multiple sources including Sofascore and Televisa Deportes, contradicted a glitched ESPN feed that briefly listed a 2-2 scoreline. For a team that entered the match as underdogs, this wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
Goals That Shook the League
It wasn’t flashy. It wasn’t dominant possession. But it was clinical. In the 45th minute plus three, Sergio Canales, wearing the number 10 jersey, curled a left-footed shot past América’s keeper after a perfectly timed run from Jesús Corona. The goal came just as the first half was about to expire, a dagger to América’s composure. Then, in the 70th minute, Fidel Ambríz—a 23-year-old midfielder who’d started only three playoff games this season—slipped between two defenders and finished low from 12 yards. No celebration. No theatrics. Just a nod to the bench. That’s Monterrey football: efficient, cold, and quietly devastating.
América, who’d boasted the league’s second-best defense (only 18 goals conceded in 17 games), looked lost. Their midfield, usually so crisp, was outworked. Their forwards, including star Brandon Rodríguez (7 goals, 3 assists), were starved of service. Monterrey’s backline—Sergio Ramos, Stefan Medina, and Gerardo Arteaga—held firm. Goalkeeper Luis Cárdenas made three crucial stops, including a diving parry in the 82nd minute to deny a header from Roberto de la Rosa.
The Weight of History
Before this match, América had won four of their last five against Monterrey, including two straight in December 2024. The regular-season meeting on September 20, 2025, ended 2-2—a game where América led 2-0 before Monterrey clawed back. But this was different. Monterrey, ranked fifth in the league with 31 points, had been inconsistent: losses to Cruz Azul and Guadalajara in their last three games had fans wondering if they’d even make the playoffs. Now, they’ve done what no one expected: they’ve taken control of a series against the fourth-place team with a 15-goal differential advantage.
América, meanwhile, entered with 34 points and a +15 goal difference. Their form was solid—wins over León and Puebla, a draw with Cruz Azul. But their away record? Questionable. They’d won just two of their last five road games. And now, with a two-goal deficit heading into Mexico City, their path to the semifinals just got exponentially harder.
What Happens Next?
The second leg is set for November 29, 2025, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City. For América, it’s a do-or-die scenario. They need to win by at least three goals to advance on aggregate. A 2-0 win would force extra time. A 3-0 win? That’s the minimum. And even then, they’d need to avoid conceding. Monterrey, on the other hand, can afford to sit back. A 0-0 draw would send them through. A 1-1 tie? Still safe. Their strategy won’t be to attack—it’ll be to survive.
Betting markets have shifted dramatically. Pre-match odds had América as slight favorites (+158), but now, Monterrey’s odds have tightened to +210. The over/under for total goals in the series dropped from 2.5 to 2.0. The smart money is on a low-scoring, tense affair in the capital.
The Human Element
Behind the stats, there’s emotion. Sergio Canales, 34, has been the heartbeat of Monterrey this season—nine goals, two assists, and a captain’s presence. He’s been linked with retirement after this campaign. This goal might be his last great moment in a Monterrey jersey. And Fidel Ambríz? He’s the son of a former Liga MX defender who played for América in the 90s. He grew up wearing their colors. Now, he’s the man who broke their hearts.
América’s coach, Diego Cocca, was visibly frustrated at full time. "We didn’t play like a team that’s supposed to be in the top four," he told reporters. "We let them dictate the tempo. That’s on us. But we still have 90 minutes left. We’re not done yet."
Meanwhile, Monterrey’s manager, Diego Alonso, kept it simple: "We believed. That’s all."
Why This Matters
This isn’t just about two teams advancing to the semifinals. It’s about the erosion of América’s aura. For decades, they’ve been Mexico’s most feared club—their name alone used to intimidate opponents. But in recent years, Monterrey, Tigres, and even León have chipped away at that myth. This result? It’s another nail in the coffin of the old order. The new Liga MX is about grit, not glamour. About resilience, not reputation.
And for fans in Monterrey? For the first time since 2021, they’re dreaming of a league title. Not just a playoff run. A trophy. They’ve waited 14 years for this moment. Now, they’re one game away from making it real.
Frequently Asked Questions
How likely is it that América can come back from 2-0 down?
Historically, only 12% of Liga MX teams have overturned a two-goal deficit in a two-leg playoff series since 2018. América would need to win by at least three goals to advance outright. Even a 3-1 win wouldn’t be enough if Monterrey scores away. Their best chance is a 3-0 victory, which would force extra time. But with Monterrey’s defensive discipline and América’s poor away record, the odds are heavily stacked against them.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Monterrey, Sergio Canales and Fidel Ambríz will be the focus, but watch Jesús Corona—he’s been the engine of their transition game. For América, Brandon Rodríguez must find form, and veteran Héctor Moreno will need to anchor a shaky defense. If Érick Aguirre starts, he could be the spark América needs.
What’s at stake for Monterrey beyond the semifinals?
A win in the semifinals would put Monterrey in the final for the first time since 2021—and they’ve never won a Liga MX title under coach Diego Alonso. A title would also secure a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. For a club that’s won three league titles since 2009 but none since 2021, this is their best shot in over a decade. The city hasn’t seen a parade like this since 2019.
Why did ESPN report a 2-2 scoreline?
ESPN’s system incorrectly registered a phantom goal in the 88th minute due to a data sync error between their live stats feed and the stadium’s official timer. The error was corrected within 17 minutes, but the incorrect score briefly appeared on their app and social media. All other sources—including Liga MX’s official feed, Sofascore, and Opta—confirmed the 2-0 result. The mistake has since been acknowledged internally.
How does this result compare to past Monterrey-América playoff clashes?
Monterrey’s last playoff win over América came in 2021, when they won 3-1 on aggregate in the quarterfinals. But that was a high-scoring series. This 2-0 home win is the most decisive first-leg result Monterrey has ever posted against América in a knockout tie. In their last five playoff meetings, América won three, Monterrey won one, and one ended in a draw. This result flips the script completely.
What’s the weather forecast for the second leg in Mexico City?
The forecast for November 29 at Estadio Azteca calls for clear skies and temperatures around 68°F (20°C), with light winds from the northwest. The altitude—7,350 feet—will still play a role, but the conditions are ideal for technical play. América’s coaches are expected to use the altitude as motivation, but Monterrey’s players have faced high-altitude games before, including a 2024 win over Pumas at UNAM’s stadium.