CARSON, CALIF. — Club América and CF Monterrey entered the Leagues Cup semifinal as two teams very familiar with facing each other in knockout tournaments. Their previous postseason meeting came in the 2024 Liga MX Apertura final, where América defeated Monterrey to secure its historic third consecutive league title.
This time, the Liga MX rivals met at Dignity Health Sports Park with both clubs hoping to reach a Leagues Cup final for the first time.
Las Águilas controlled most of the opening half and created three strong scoring opportunities within the first 30 minutes. Winger Isaías Violante produced América’s two best chances, but Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada denied him on both occasions. Despite América’s pressure, the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Although neither side found a breakthrough in the first half, Monterrey did not need much time to open the scoring after the restart. In the 49th minute, Diego Rossi carried the ball down the right wing before sending a long-range effort over goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota and into the back of the net.
América responded eight minutes later. Following a set piece, defender Ramón Juárez controlled the ball inside the penalty area and fired a left-footed shot past Andrada to level the match.
Las Águilas completed the turnaround in the 64th minute. Alan Cervantes received the ball outside the box and struck a powerful shot from distance, giving América a 2-1 advantage.
However, the lead did not last long. Orbelín Pineda won a controversial penalty for Monterrey, allowing Lucas Ocampos to step up and convert from the spot in the 69th minute. His goal brought Rayados level at 2-2 and eventually sent the semifinal to a penalty shootout.
Both teams converted their first three penalties without difficulty. Cervantes appeared to be one of América’s heroes after scoring in regulation, but his night quickly turned when he sent the club’s fourth penalty over the crossbar.
Monterrey took advantage of the miss and remained perfect from the spot. Hugo Cuypers converted Rayados’ fifth penalty to complete the 5-4 shootout victory and send the club to its first Leagues Cup final.
Monterrey will face Toluca in the Leagues Cup final on Sunday, September 6, at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. Club América will meet Club León in the third-place match earlier that day, with the winner securing the tournament’s final qualification spot for the 2027 Concacaf Champions Cup.
With all four semifinalists coming from Liga MX and Monterrey and Toluca advancing to the championship match, this year’s tournament has displayed the strength of Mexican soccer. Liga MX clubs will look to carry that momentum into the next Concacaf Champions Cup.
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