Rayados de Monterrey secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Pachuca at the Estadio BBVA, a result that strengthens their position in the Liga MX Apertura 2026 title race. Sergio Canales opened the scoring, Oussama Idrissi equalised for the Tuzos, and Germán Berterame struck the winner in the second half as Monterrey extended their strong home form.

Match overview

Monterrey controlled the early rhythm and were rewarded for their patient build-up when Canales found space at the edge of the penalty area and curled a low finish beyond Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno. Pachuca responded with a more aggressive press and drew level before half-time through Idrissi, whose sharp movement inside the box created just enough room for a close-range strike.

The second half was more open, with both sides committing numbers forward. Monterrey regained the initiative after the hour mark, and the decisive moment arrived when Jesús “Tecatito” Corona delivered a precise cross from the right and Berterame powered a header past Moreno. Pachuca pushed for a late equaliser, but Monterrey goalkeeper Esteban Andrada produced a crucial save in stoppage time to preserve the three points.

Key moments

• 18th minute – Canales breaks the deadlock: Monterrey worked the ball patiently around the Pachuca box before Canales shifted onto his left foot and guided a measured effort into the bottom corner.
• 41st minute – Idrissi equalises: Pachuca’s high press forced a turnover, and Idrissi reacted quickest inside the area to level the score before half-time.
• 63rd minute – Andrada denies Pachuca: The Monterrey goalkeeper made a strong reflex save from a close-range header as the visitors briefly threatened to take the lead.
• 78th minute – Berterame scores the winner: Corona’s cross found Berterame between two defenders, and the striker’s header gave Moreno no chance.
• 90+3 minutes – Late drama: Pachuca won a corner and sent Moreno forward, but Monterrey cleared the danger and held on for the win.

Tactical story

Monterrey’s 4-2-3-1 shape allowed Canales to drift between the lines and link with the front three, while the full-backs provided width when Pachuca’s midfield collapsed toward the ball. The home side finished with 54% possession and 15 shots, six of them on target, reflecting their greater control in the final third.

Pachuca’s approach was built on quick transitions and aggressive pressing. The Tuzos created several promising moments after turnovers, but their willingness to commit bodies forward left space behind the defence in the second half. Monterrey’s ability to switch play quickly, especially through Corona on the right, proved decisive.

Standout players

Canales was at the heart of Monterrey’s best attacking moves, combining creativity with a well-taken goal. Berterame’s movement in the box and his aerial threat gave Pachuca problems throughout, while Corona’s assist underlined his importance in wide areas. For Pachuca, Idrissi was the most dangerous outlet, and Moreno kept the visitors in the contest with several important saves.

Season impact

The win adds three valuable points to Monterrey’s Liga MX standings total and keeps them in the thick of the Apertura 2026 title conversation. For Pachuca, the defeat leaves them with work to do in the coming weeks, though the performance showed enough attacking intent to suggest they remain a dangerous side. Monterrey’s head-to-head record against Pachuca now looks even stronger, and their next fixtures will test whether this victory can become the platform for a sustained title push.