Lackluster, but in the playoffs

The Monterrey Rayados defeated the Pumas 2-0 last night to become the last team to qualify for the 2025 Clausura playoffs.

In the final play-in match, Argentine Germán Berterame and Colombian Nelson Deossa scored for Rayados, who kept a clean sheet despite the absence of Spaniard Sergio Ramos due to injury.

The Monterrey team dominated the ball, but created few scoring opportunities during the first half.

Although the home team controlled the pace of the game, the university team mounted a couple of good counterattacks, although they were never close to scoring.

The Pumas started the second half well; however, when they were playing their best, Spaniard Sergio Canales fired a left-footed shot in the 58th minute. Goalkeeper Álex Padilla cleared the ball, which was recovered by Lucas Ocampos, who assisted Berterame to score the 1-0 with a right-footed shot.

The visiting team persisted until Jorge Rubalcava was sent off in the 76th minute for a second yellow card, leaving the Pumas with one less man.

Near the end of the match, Monterrey secured their place in the last eight with a goal by Colombian Nelson Deossa in the 89th minute.

In the quarterfinal round, Rayados del Monterrey will face Toluca, the regular season leader, which will mark a new return for Antonio Mohamed to the "Steel Giant."— EFE