Rayados Make History with First Win Under New Liga MX Travel Rule
In an intriguing twist to start the Jornada 2 of the Apertura 2025, Rayados de Monterrey not only secured their first win of the season but also made history by being the first team to take advantage of a brand-new Liga MX regulation . The match against Atlético de San Luis wasn't just about football — it marked a pivotal moment in how teams manage logistics and player fatigue.
Previously, Liga MX clubs were required to arrive in the host city at least 24 hours before kickoff . This often meant early travel, longer hotel stays, and unnecessary wear and tear on the players. But that’s changed. The new rule now only requires visiting teams to be in the city 8 hours before the match , and Monterrey wasted no time becoming the first to capitalize on it.
Rayados arrived in San Luis just a little over 12 hours before the 9 PM kickoff — a bold yet calculated decision. Given the short flight from Monterrey to San Luis (less than two hours), it made perfect sense. The goal? Less time sitting around, more time resting at home, and ultimately — fresher legs on the pitch.
And it paid off.
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In a tight game that was more tactical than explosive, it was Germán Berterame who found the back of the net at the 42nd minute. The goal wasn’t just decisive — it was poetic. Berterame, once a fan-favorite in San Luis, chose not to celebrate out of respect, despite the emotional weight of scoring against his former club. A classy move from the Argentine striker.
The match also highlighted a strong performance from Domènec Torrent , the new Rayados coach who returned to familiar territory — he previously led San Luis and clearly knew how to disrupt their flow. Torrent’s squad showed better shape, control, and structure compared to their forgettable opener, a 3-0 loss to Pachuca.
The only goal of the night came after a fluid counterattack, orchestrated by Sergio Canales , who filtered a perfect ball to Berterame. The striker didn’t miss. San Luis had their moments — a couple of VAR-worthy incidents, a shot off the crossbar, and even a disallowed goal for Jesús "Tecatito" Corona — but Monterrey never lost grip on the game.
By the final whistle, it wasn’t just the scoreboard reading 0-1 in favor of Monterrey that mattered — it was the symbolic impact of a new era. One where teams can manage their time more efficiently, keep their players fresher, and potentially raise the overall level of play in Liga MX.
Rayados walked away not just with three points , but with a historical footnote: the first team to win under the new Liga MX 8-hour travel rule . And if this is the future, Monterrey just set the standard.
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