When CF Monterrey crushed Club América 2-0 at Estadio BBVA on Thursday, November 27, 2025, it wasn’t just a win — it was a statement. The 2025 Apertura quarterfinalsMonterrey first leg ended with goals from Sergio Canales and Fidel Ambríz, leaving the Azulcrema with a mountain to climb. For American fans tuning in at 10:05 PM Eastern Time, the match wasn’t just football — it was high-stakes drama, played out under the cold lights of northern Mexico with yellow cards flying and tension thick enough to cut.
Monterrey’s Perfect Storm
The first half was a masterclass in patience and precision. CF Monterrey didn’t dominate possession, but they made every touch count. At 16’, J. Corona fouled aggressively in midfield — his first yellow. Then came the chaos: I. Lichnovsky got carded at 26’, R. Chávez at 38’. Fans screamed for a penalty at 30’, but VAR stayed quiet. And then — 45'+3'. A corner, a flick-on, and Sergio Canales buried it. The stadium erupted. The goal wasn’t flashy, but it was clinical. Exactly what Monterrey needed.The Second Half: Pressure Mounts
Club América came out swinging after halftime. But Monterrey’s defense — anchored by Sebastián Cáceres, who committed the final foul at 90'+6' — held firm. At 62’, J. Corona was subbed off, replaced by the same minute that R. Aguirre picked up his yellow. Then, at 70', it was over. A counterattack, a diagonal ball to Fidel Ambríz, who finished coolly past the keeper. No celebration. Just a nod. He knew what this meant.At 83’, A. Martial — América’s lone hope — missed a sitter from six yards. Bolavip called it a "MASSIVE MISS." The crowd groaned. The clock ticked. By 90'+3', the referee had shown his sixth yellow card — to Sanchez — and the game had turned into a war of attrition.
What This Means for Club América
The math is brutal. To advance, Club América must win the second leg by at least three goals. A 2-1 win? Eliminated. A 3-0 win? Still eliminated. They need 3-0, 4-1, 5-2 — or better. No room for error. No margin for doubt. And they have to do it in front of their own fans at Estadio Azteca — where the atmosphere will be deafening, but the pressure will be suffocating.Historically, no team has overturned a two-goal deficit in a two-legged Liga MX playoff tie since 2019, when Tigres did it against Chivas. But that was at home. América is now on the road — metaphorically and emotionally. Their defense, which conceded 14 goals in their last 10 league matches, has no answer for Monterrey’s quick transitions. And Canales? He’s now scored in three straight knockout games.
Who’s Really in Control?
Monterrey didn’t just win — they dictated terms. Their midfield trio of Canales, Ambríz, and Diego Lainez controlled the tempo without ever needing to dominate. Meanwhile, América’s attack looked disjointed. Their captain, Orbelín Pineda, barely touched the ball in the final third. The Azulcrema’s only hope now is injury, red cards, or a miracle.And here’s the twist: Monterrey’s coach, Diego Alonso, didn’t even start his best striker. He played a 4-2-3-1 with Ambríz as the lone forward — and still won. That’s confidence. That’s control.
What’s Next?
The second leg is scheduled for December 4, 2025, at Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, though the exact kickoff time hasn’t been confirmed. U.S. viewers can expect ViX Premium to carry it again — YouTube TV may also stream it, but only if América’s broadcast rights are included in the package. Either way, the stakes couldn’t be higher.If Monterrey holds firm, they’ll face either Tigres UANL or Pumas UNAM in the semifinals — a rematch of last year’s epic final. If América somehow pulls it off? It’ll be the greatest comeback in Liga MX playoff history.
Why This Matters Beyond the Scoreline
This isn’t just about who advances. It’s about legacy. CF Monterrey hasn’t won a league title since 2021. Club América has 14, the most in Mexican history. But momentum? That’s a different currency. And right now, it’s all in Monterrey’s hands.The Azulcrema’s fans will be singing in the stands next week. But their voices won’t echo louder than the silence that followed Canales’ goal — or the deafening roar that followed Ambríz’s.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does this result affect Monterrey’s chances of winning the 2025 Apertura title?
Monterrey now has a commanding lead and only needs to avoid a three-goal defeat in the second leg to reach the semifinals. With their defensive discipline and clinical finishing on display, they’re among the favorites. Their last title came in 2021, and this performance suggests they’re peaking at the right time — especially with Canales and Ambríz clicking.
What’s the historical context of comeback wins in Liga MX playoffs?
Only once since 2010 has a team overturned a two-goal deficit in a two-legged Liga MX playoff tie — Tigres UANL did it against Chivas in 2019. But that was at home, with a 4-1 second-leg win after losing 2-0 away. América will need to replicate that feat while playing away from home, where they’ve lost three of their last five knockout matches.
Who are the key players to watch in the second leg?
For Monterrey, Sergio Canales and Fidel Ambríz are the danger men — both scored in this leg. For América, Orbelín Pineda and A. Martial must deliver. Martial’s 83’ miss was costly — he’ll be under intense pressure to redeem himself.
Can American fans watch the second leg on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV streams Liga MX matches only if they’re carried by affiliated networks like ESPN or Fox Sports. ViX Premium has exclusive rights to this playoff series, so it’s the safest bet. YouTube TV’s free trial might work if América’s match is broadcast on one of its included channels — but don’t count on it. ViX remains the guaranteed option.
Why did Monterrey play so defensively despite leading?
Coach Diego Alonso prioritized structure over flair. With América’s attacking threats — especially Pineda and Martial — he knew conceding one goal could change everything. Monterrey’s backline, led by Cáceres and Carlos Salcedo, stayed compact. They didn’t need to score again — they just needed to not lose.
What’s the significance of Estadio BBVA in this matchup?
Estadio BBVA, with its 53,500 capacity and intimidating atmosphere, has been a fortress for Monterrey. They’ve lost just two home games in all competitions since the start of 2024. The crowd’s noise levels — recorded at 112 decibels during Canales’ goal — are among the highest in Liga MX. For América, playing away here was always going to be a challenge — now, it’s a nightmare.