Rayados and América Gear Up for a High-Stakes Liguilla Clash
The Liguilla of the Apertura 2025 has finally taken shape, and one of the matchups that immediately stole the spotlight is Rayados vs. América. This quarterfinal series was already locked in even before the Play-In wrapped up, and now all eyes turn to the Estadio BBVA, where the first chapter of this battle will be written. With Monterrey hosting and América arriving with plenty to prove, the stage is set for a tense, high-energy showdown.
What makes this matchup even more intriguing is how their regular-season meeting unfolded. Monterrey had been close to securing the win at El Gigante de Acero thanks to goals from Fidel Ambriz and Sergio Canales, but América managed to claw back in the final minutes through Rodrigo Aguirre and Ramón Juárez to seal a 2–2 draw. That comeback is still fresh in the minds of both teams, and it adds an extra layer of anticipation.
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On the Rayados side, the lineup seems nearly defined. Santiago Mele is expected in goal, even though he hasn’t kept a clean sheet in his last six matches. In defense, Sergio Ramos appears ready to lead, carrying not just experience but also motivation after being beaten in the air by Juárez in their previous encounter. Alongside him, Stefan Medina is the likely partner, though options such as Carlos Salcedo or Víctor Guzmán remain on the table. The full-back roles feel more settled, with Gerardo Arteaga on the left and Ricardo Chávez on the right.
Midfield will be crucial for Monterrey. Jorge “Corcho” Rodríguez is set to anchor the center, while young Iker Fimbres—who recently returned from injury and has been praised for his U-20 World Cup performances—could join him. Ahead of them, Sergio Canales and Óliver Torres are expected to orchestrate play, offering creativity and rhythm. Lucas Ocampos will operate close to the box, whether behind the striker or drifting toward a false nine role. At the top, Germán Berterame remains the main attacking reference, holding his spot despite the arrival of Anthony Martial.
On the América side, Luis Malagón stays in goal, ready to shake off recent criticism. In defense, Sebastián Cáceres and Ramón Juárez seem set as the center-back pairing, with Cristian Borja on the left and Israel Reyes likely stepping in on the right due to Kevin Álvarez’s inconsistency. Alan Cervantes will serve as the link between defense and attack, while Álvaro Fidalgo and Érick Sánchez bring control, pressure, and creativity to the midfield.
Up front, Allan Saint-Maximin is expected to start on the left despite competition from Brian Rodríguez, while Alejandro Zendejas will take the right wing, still one of the most dangerous players in the squad. Rodrigo Aguirre becomes the natural choice as striker, especially with Raúl Zúñiga out and Henry Martín not fully fit.
Adding even more tension, América advances with a global tie due to their higher position in the standing
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