Club América fans expected a statement performance in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 quarterfinals. Instead, they watched their team crumble 0–2 against Rayados de Monterrey inside a rain-soaked BBVA Stadium—a defeat that now threatens their championship ambitions.

It wasn’t just a loss. It was a night that revealed everything that has gone wrong for América this season.

América Never Found the Ball

From the opening whistle, Rayados dominated possession and tempo. Their relentless pressing repeatedly forced América backwards, exposing a backline missing Ramón Juárez and relying on an out-of-form Igor Lichnovsky.

Goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón was tested early and often, keeping the scoreline respectable in the first half. But the real disaster lay in América’s attack.

Rodrigo Aguirre and Víctor Dávila were passengers for most of the night, and América didn’t register a single shot on target until the 93rd minute, when Alejandro Zendejas finally forced a save.

For a team known for its firepower, it was a shocking sight.

Refereeing Controversies Add Fuel to the Fire

Referee Jesús López Valle became the center of attention after several questionable decisions benefitted Rayados.

• In the 15th minute, Jesús Corona made a studs-up challenge on Álvaro Fidalgo. Even after VAR intervention, only a yellow card was shown.
• Minutes later, Ricardo Chávez slid dangerously into Brian Rodríguez and again escaped with just a warning.

Would stricter officiating have changed the outcome? Hard to say—but América certainly felt the impact of those decisions.

The “Blue and White Wall” Led by Sergio Ramos

Rayados’ defense, anchored by legendary Spaniard Sergio Ramos, was the real highlight of the night.

His ability to drift wide, close passing angles, and dictate transitions made Monterrey’s defensive structure almost unbreakable.

Ramos neutralized América’s central channels so effectively that the visitors looked out of ideas long before halftime. Every transition, every clearance, every block had the imprint of the veteran defender.

Sergio Canales — The Other Spanish Maestro

If Ramos owned the defense, fellow Spaniard Sergio Canales controlled the attack.

Right before halftime, Canales unleashed a classic cross-shot from the left side—his signature strike—beating Malagón and breaking América’s spirit.

In the 70th minute, Canales again left his mark with an assist to Fidel Ambriz, doubling the lead and sealing the game before América even attempted their first meaningful attack.

Two Spaniards. Two decisive performances. One nightmare for América.

What This Means for the Second Leg

The pressure is now enormous. América must score at least three goals in the return leg to keep their title hopes alive—a task that feels nearly impossible based on their lifeless display in Monterrey.

Rayados, meanwhile, look disciplined, energized, and tactically superior. If they repeat even half of the solidity they showed at BBVA, América’s season will likely end in disappointment.

The throne they hoped to reclaim is slipping further away.

For more Update DAILY GLOBAL DIARY