Rayados de Monterrey advanced to the Apertura 2025 semifinals by defeating América 2-1 in the quarterfinal return leg, with a decisive goal from Germán Berterame in stoppage time. The series global was 3-2 in favor of the regiomontanos, ending América's streak of four consecutive finals. The match took place at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes on November 29, 2025.
The return leg between América and Monterrey, corresponding to the Apertura 2025 Liga MX quarterfinals, was played on Saturday, November 29 at 17:00 at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City. Monterrey arrived with a 2-0 lead from the first leg, but América dominated much of the match.
The Águilas opened the scoring in the 30th minute with a goal from Alejandro Zendejas, who finished with a left-footed shot after a combination with Álvaro Fidalgo and Cristian Borja. In the second half, at the 58th minute, Richard Zúñiga extended the lead to 2-0 with a finish inside the area, assisted by Zendejas. However, a Zúñiga goal in the 69th minute was disallowed by VAR for offside.
Monterrey suffered the expulsion of Jorge Rodríguez in the 83rd minute for a second yellow card, left with 10 players. Despite that, in the 93rd minute, Germán Berterame headed in a cross from the right to score the 2-1 and advance his team. América's goalkeeper Luis Malagón was key in several saves but could not prevent the elimination.
This result ends América's glorious cycle, having reached four consecutive finals, losing the last one to Toluca. For Monterrey, coached by Domenec Torrent, it represents a boost toward the semifinals. The referee was César Ramos, and the match was broadcast on Canal 5, TUDN, and ViX+.
