The much-anticipated 132nd edition of the Clásico Regiomontano unfolded in dramatic fashion as Rayados emerged victorious with a slim 1-0 win over Tigres UANL at Houston’s Shell Energy Stadium on Tuesday night. This marked the fourth meeting between the two Monterrey-based Liga MX clubs on American soil, as this fierce rivalry made its debut appearance in the Leagues Cup.
In a stunning turn of events, Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales etched his name in the annals of the match, scoring the decisive goal deep into the 7th minute of stoppage time. This triumphant moment came merely 17 days after Canales was announced as the latest signing for the club. Making his first start for Rayados, Canales ignited the scoreboard in front of a capacity crowd of 20,104 enthusiastic spectators.
Fernando Ortiz’s determined squad now advances to the tournament quarterfinals, where they are set to lock horns with the reigning MLS Cup champions, LAFC. The much-anticipated clash is scheduled for Friday night at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California.
As one of the last remaining Mexican representatives in the Leagues Cup, Rayados will share this honor with Querétaro, another formidable team on the opposite side of the bracket. Notably, Querétaro finds itself in the same bracket as Lionel Messi’s team.
This victory for Rayados holds even greater significance as it marks their first-ever derby win on American soil. Throughout history, the Monterrey Derby has ventured to the United States only on three prior occasions. Tigres emerged victorious in the initial two encounters, with the teams playing to a draw in their most recent meeting, which also took place in Houston nearly 13 years ago.
For years, fervent Rayados supporters have eagerly awaited a player of Canales’ caliber to counterbalance Tigres’ standout player, Andre-Pierre Gignac. Hailing from Santander, Canales previously plied his trade at La Liga side Real Betis, alongside Mexico men’s national team legend Andrés Guardado. Canales is undoubtedly Rayados’ headline addition this summer, and his performance showcases his prowess as both an attacking midfielder and a second striker.
The critical game-winning moment arrived from the penalty marker, with Rayados securing a spot-kick awarded in the closing minutes. With the looming possibility of a penalty kick shootout, Canales demonstrated icy composure and precision as he converted the penalty, securing Rayados’ triumph.
The sting of previous disappointments, including a loss in the playoff semifinals and witnessing Tigres clinch an eighth league title, is now alleviated as Rayados rally around their latest star. As the most formidable Mexican contingent remaining in the competition, Ortiz’s charges shoulder the aspirations of clinching the Leagues Cup for Liga MX.
The defeated Tigres side, under the leadership of Robert Siboldi, acknowledged the penalty call without mincing words. Siboldi emphasized his players’ unwavering effort on the field and their focus on controlling the controllable aspects of the game.
While the loss is undoubtedly disheartening for the reigning Liga MX champions, not only due to the rivalry but also considering the talents within their roster, Tigres possesses one of the most experienced and skilled squads on the continent. Nonetheless, their performance in the cup has lacked the desired sharpness.
The decision to start Diego Lainez might have contributed to Tigres’ challenges, as the team displayed greater dynamism in the second half with the entry of midfielder Sebastián Córdova. Now, the team faces a two-week hiatus as they gear up for their return to the domestic league, where the pressure to succeed is ever-present.
Córdova, who is gradually recovering from an injury sustained while representing the national team, is making steady progress. A streak of playoff goals solidified his status as the club’s playoff MVP.
With substantial investments in their squad, Tigres’ success is measured by lifting trophies. Falling short in the Leagues Cup might not significantly dent Siboldi’s reputation, but it certainly amplifies the importance of their league performance, particularly if their crosstown rivals secure the Leagues Cup title.
Once again, the Bayou City played host to a sold-out international match, underscoring its multicultural appeal. The considerable Regio population in the city, coupled with its proximity to Monterrey, rendered it the perfect location for a last-minute Tuesday match, with ticket prices starting at $63, inclusive of fees.
The return of the Clásico Regiomontano after a decade-long absence was an anticipated certainty for this year in Houston, with an October friendly selling out weeks in advance. The participation of Rayados and Tigres in the Leagues Cup provided an early taste of this historic encounter, enriched by the match’s official status.
Despite a few instances of objects being thrown onto the field toward the end of the game, the overall evening was marked by success on multiple fronts. Furthermore, it served as a potent reminder of Houston’s insatiable passion for the sport and its rightful role as a host city for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
As for the rivalry’s future, two more chapters are guaranteed, including a league encounter next month. While the October friendly might lack the same weight as this recent showdown, it nonetheless bestows bragging rights that both teams hold dear.
