In the second leg of the Liga MX knockout stage, CF Monterrey faced Club América and came up short with a final score of 2-1 at the Estadio Azulgrana. Club América showcased their dominance early on, taking a 2-0 lead with goals from Alejandro Zendejas in the 29th minute and José Zúñiga in the 58th minute.
Although CF Monterrey fought back, they could only manage a single goal from Germán Berterame in the 47th minute, who found the net with a header.
Rodrigo Aguirre notably hit the post just before halftime, missing an opportunity to extend Club América’s lead in the dying moments of the first period.
Alejandro Zendejas was a standout performer and rightfully earned the title of Player of the Match after scoring one goal and significantly influencing the play.
Jonathan dos Santos also made a strong contribution for Club América with two shots on target throughout the match.
The coach of Club América, André Jardine, set up his team in a 4-4-2 formation, featuring Luis Malagón as goalkeeper; a defensive line of Kevin Álvarez, Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, and Cristian Borja; with a midfield comprising Jonathan dos Santos, Alejandro Zendejas, Érick Sánchez, and Álvaro Fidalgo; and Rodrigo Aguirre together with José Zúñiga up front.
On the other side, CF Monterrey, managed by Domènec Torrent, employed a 4-5-1 strategy with Luis Cárdenas in goal; Erick Aguirre, Stefan Medina, Sergio Ramos, and Gerardo Arteaga as defenders; a midfield consisting of Sergio Canales, Oliver Torres, Jorge Rodríguez, Fidel Ambriz, and Jesús Corona; and Germán Berterame as the sole forward.
The match was officiated by referee César Ramos Palazuelos. Despite the setback in this match, CF Monterrey still secured a spot in the semifinals due to their prior success in the earlier leg.
Substitutions for Club América
74’ 2H – Rodrigo Aguirre was replaced by Ramón Juárez
85’ 2H – José Zúñiga went off for Henry Martín, and Álvaro Fidalgo was substituted for Allan Saint-Maximin
Yellow Cards for Club América:
53’ 2H – Israel Reyes, 59’ 2H – José Zúñiga (for removing jersey), 60’ 2H – André Jardine, 61’ 2H – Isaías Violante
Substitutions for CF Monterrey
64’ 2H – Fidel Ambriz was replaced by Iker Fimbres, and Jesús Corona by Roberto De La Rosa
72’ 2H – Oliver Torres was substituted for Anthony Martial, and Erick Aguirre for Ricardo Chávez
81’ 2H – Gerardo Arteaga came off for Luis Reyes
Yellow Cards for CF Monterrey:
61’ 2H – Sergio Ramos, 78’ 2H – Jorge Rodríguez, 78’ 2H – Stefan Medina, 84’ 2H – Luis Reyes
Red Card for CF Monterrey:
53’ 2H – Jorge Rodríguez (second yellow card)