Monterrey had quite the game in the first leg of the Liga MX final. A second-half stoppage time overhead kick goal by Rogelio Funes Mori gave Rayados a slim 2-1 advantage heading into the second and deciding leg at the Azteca on Sunday. Can Club America use its home-field and seeding advantage to overcome the deficit or will the North American champions reign supreme once again?
Club America vs. Monterrey
- When: Sunday, December 29
- Time: 9:30 p.m. ET
- TV: TUDN
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
America got off to a great start on Thursday, taking the lead near halftime through an own goal. However, that lead wouldn’t last long as the team conceded the equalizer before the break. The second half was a bit of a nightmare, as America not only gave up a spectacular second goal seconds from full-time but also went down a man. Midfielder Francisco Sebastián Córdova was sent packing midway through the half after a VAR review determined his dangerous tackle was worthy of an early shower. Not only was he lost for the remainder of the first leg, but he’ll be sidelined for the second as well.
The away goal could be huge for America. As could its playoff seeding. The Liga MX playoff tiebreakers are a bit unorthodox. The away goals rule is in effect. However, if both teams are level via that method, the higher seed in the matchup (America is No. 6, while Monterrey is No. 8) wins the tie.
With the tiebreakers looming, the onus will be on Monterrey to finish the job. The team has been a wrecking ball during these playoffs, however, going to the Azteca is never easy no matter how familiar you may be with the atmosphere and conditions. Monterrey will need a complete performance and an early goal or two to shift the pressure to the home side. If it can gain control early and work from a position of power, it should give the team a great shot at winning in the end.
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