In the absence of Sergio Ramos, Rayados secure victorious against Pumas, advancing to the quarterfinals.
Hitting the Final Stretch: Monterrey Rayados Secures Quarter-Finals Spot with 2-0 Victory Over Pumas UNAM
Monterrey, Mexico - Monterrey Rayados punched their ticket to the quarter-finals of the Mexican football Clausura 2025, securing their spot with a 2-0 win over Pumas UNAM. Missing their captain Sergio Ramos due to injury, the Rayados delivered a dominant performance to close out the regular phase.
Germán Berterame and Colombian Nelson Deossa were the game's heroes, scoring the crucial goals that sealed the victory. Rayados controlled possession, enjoying 67% of the ball in the first half, but created few scoring opportunities. Argentine Lucas Ocampos had the best chance of the half, unleashing a powerful shot that was brilliantly saved by Pumas goalkeeper Alex Padilla.
Pumas started the second half strong, creating chances of their own, but it was Rayados who broke the deadlock in the 58th minute. Spanish newcomer Sergio Canales netted the first goal with a left-footed shot, capitalizing on a saves by Padilla and a pass from Ocampos. This would proof to be a turning point in the game.
Despite playing without their top scorer Guillermo Martínez due to suspension, Rayados continued to press forward. In the 72nd minute, Argentine Rogelio Funes Mori nearly made it 2-0 but was denied by Colombian defender Stefan Medina. Pumas' hopes took a blow in the 76th minute when Jorge Rubalcava received a second yellow card, leaving them a man down for the remainder of the game.
Just three minutes later, Deossa made it 2-0 with a right-footed finish from a pass by Berterame, securing the win and putting Monterrey one step closer to the title.
Rayados will now face Toluca, the leaders of the regular phase, in the quarter-finals. The series will see the two teams battle it out with Rayados hosting first, followed by a visit to Toluca's home turf. The quarter-finals will also feature América vs. Pachuca, Cruz Azul vs. León, and Tigres UANL vs. Necaxa[1].
As the race to the Clausura title heats up, Rayados will be aiming to continue their impressive form and make a deep run in the playoffs. With their sights set on the title, the remainder of the league better watch out.
Related Topics:
- EFE
Sources:
[1] EFE News Service. (n.d.). Liga MX Clausura 2025 Quarterfinals Set: Rayados to Face Toluca, América-Pachuca, Cruz Azul-León, and Tigres UANL-Necaxa. Retrieved from https://www.efe.com/efe/america/noticia-liga-mx-clausura-2025-cuartos-de-final-rayados-frente-a-toluca-am%C3%A9rica-pachuca-cruz-azul-l%C3%A9on-y-tigres-uanl-necaxa/60000391-4539344
[2] EFE News Service. (n.d.). Rayados Advance to Quarter-Finals of Liga MX Clausura 2025 After Beating Pumas UNAM. Retrieved from https://www.efe.com/efe/noticias-deportes/rayados-avanzan-a-octavos-de-final-de-la-liga-mx-clausura-2025-despues-de-vencer-a-pumas-unam/60000391-4539343
[3] EFE News Service. (n.d.). Monterrey Rayados Set for Showdown with Toluca in Liga MX Clausura Quarter-Finals. Retrieved from https://www.efe.com/efe/america/noticia-rayados-se-prepara-para-enfrentar-a-toluca-en-octavos-de-final-de-la-liga-mx-clausura/60000391-4539339
- Despite the absence of their captain Sergio Ramos due to injury, Monterrey Rayados, based in Monterrey, Mexico, excelled in American football, securing a spot for the quarter-finals of the Mexican football Clausura 2025.
- Despite playing without their top scorer Guillermo Martínez due to suspension, Rayados continued to demonstrate superior skills in sports, with German Berterame and Colombian Nelson Deossa emerging as scorers.
- In addition to football, the sports-loving students of Monterrey might also appreciate the art of rowing, as it requires strength and precision, much like their beloved Rayados.
- Despite Jorge Rubalcava receiving a second yellow card, and playing a man down, Pumas had to face off against the scull, a one-person rowing boat, in the world of American football, symbolizing their tough battle against Rayados.
