América Survive Late Scare to Edge Monterrey in Capital Thriller
Key Takeaways
- Álex Zendejas opened scoring with stunning 30th-minute strike from outside the box
- Raúl Zúñiga doubled América's lead with close-range finish in 59th minute
- Jorge Rodríguez's 84th-minute red card left Monterrey down to ten men
- Berterame's stoppage-time header set up frantic finale at Ciudad de los Deportes
The floodlights blazed down on Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes as Mexico City's faithful packed the stands for what promised to be a Liga BBVA MX classic. The capital's electric atmosphere crackled with anticipation as América welcomed Monterrey in a clash that would test nerves until the final whistle. What unfolded was a pulsating encounter that swung dramatically between triumph and heartbreak.
Álex Zendejas ignited the home crowd's passion in the 30th minute when he unleashed a thunderous left-footed strike from outside the penalty area. Jonathan dos Santos threaded the perfect pass to Zendejas, who controlled brilliantly before drilling his shot into the bottom right corner, leaving Monterrey's goalkeeper helpless. The stadium erupted as América seized the early advantage through their Mexican winger's moment of magic.
The hosts doubled their lead just before the hour mark when Raúl Zúñiga pounced from point-blank range. The striker positioned himself perfectly in the six-yard box and swept home a right-footed finish into the bottom left corner, sending the América faithful into delirium. Zúñiga's predatory instincts proved decisive as he capitalized on a scramble in Monterrey's penalty area.
América controlled proceedings with 51.7% possession while registering 12 shots to Monterrey's 10, but the visitors refused to surrender. Sergio Canales orchestrated Monterrey's attacks from midfield, while Germán Berterame battled tirelessly against América's defensive pairing of Israel Reyes and Sebastián Cáceres. The tactical chess match intensified as both sides committed three fouls apiece in a surprisingly clean contest.
The turning point arrived in the 84th minute when Jorge Rodríguez received his marching orders. Already on a yellow card, the Monterrey midfielder lunged recklessly at Álvaro Fidalgo and earned a second booking that reduced his team to ten men. The red card seemed to seal América's victory, but Monterrey had other plans.
Drama exploded in the 93rd minute when Berterame rose majestically to meet Ricardo Chávez's pinpoint cross, powering his header into the high center of the goal. The Argentine striker's late strike transformed the final seven minutes of stoppage time into a nerve-shredding ordeal for América, who desperately defended their slender advantage as Monterrey threw everything forward.