CF Monterrey edged out Toluca FC at the BBVA Stadium, claiming all three points in the first leg of their Liga MX semifinal showdown. The match saw a solitary goal from Germán Berterame in the 38th minute of the first half.
It was Jesús Corona who set up the play with a precise pass, allowing Berterame to finish with a powerful header.
Toluca FC had a golden opportunity to equalize, but Marcel Ruiz’s shot ricocheted off the post, denying the visitors a crucial goal.
The standout performer of the match was Luis Cárdenas, who demonstrated his skills in goal for Monterrey, thwarting five shots from the opposition.
Germán Berterame also played a pivotal role in Monterrey’s attack by scoring the only goal of the match.
Coach Domènec Torrent utilized a 4-5-1 formation for CF Monterrey, with Cárdenas in goal, supported by defenders Ricardo Chávez, Sergio Ramos, Stefan Medina, and Gerardo Arteaga. The midfield consisted of Iker Fimbres, Fidel Ambriz, Oliver Torres, Sergio Canales, and Jesús Corona, with Berterame leading the offensive line.
On the other side, Toluca FC, under manager Antonio Mohamed, opted for a 5-3-2 setup. Hugo González protected the net while Diego Barbosa, Andrés Pereira, Antonio Briseño, Everardo López, and Jesús Gallardo formed the defensive line. The midfield included Marcel Ruiz, Franco Romero, and Nicolás Castro, while Helio Nunes and Paulinho were tasked with scoring.
Referee Daniel Quintero Huitrón took charge of the game at the BBVA Stadium.
The victory propels CF Monterrey closer to a spot in the finals, while Toluca FC must mount a comeback in the second leg to keep their championship hopes alive. The return match is set for Saturday, December 6, at the Estadio Nemesio Díez.
Substitutions for CF Monterrey
53’ 2T – Jesús Corona out for Roberto De La Rosa
87’ 2T – Iker Fimbres out for Víctor Guzmán, Germán Berterame out for Joaquín Moxica
92’ 2T – Sergio Canales out for José Urias
Yellow Cards for CF Monterrey:
35’ 2T Germán Berterame (Unsporting behavior)
Substitutions for Toluca FC
57’ 2T – Antonio Briseño out for Jesús Angulo
66’ 2T – Helio Nunes out for Santiago Simón
85’ 2T – Nicolás Castro out for Robert Morales, Diego Barbosa out for Juan Domínguez
Yellow Cards for Toluca FC:
13’ 2T Helio Nunes (Unsporting behavior), 28’ 2T Diego Barbosa (Unsporting behavior), 44’ 2T Jesús Gallardo (Unsporting behavior)