Introduction: The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
The Liga MX Clausura 2025 Play-In tournament is here, and no fixture embodies its high-stakes drama more than Monterrey vs. Pumas UNAM. On Saturday, May 17, at 9:00 PM CST, these two giants will collide at the Estadio BBVA in a winner-takes-all battle for a spot in the Liguilla. For Monterrey, it’s a chance to salvage a turbulent season; for Pumas, it’s a shot at defying the odds and reigniting their legacy. Here’s everything you need to know about the match, from tactics and key players to how and where to watch.
The Play-In Context: Liga MX’s Newest Thriller
Introduced in 2023, the Liga MX Play-In pits teams finishing 7th through 10th in the table against each other for the final two playoff berths. This year, the format has delivered chaos:
- Monterrey (8th, 25 points): A shocking fall from grace for last year’s CONCACAF Champions Cup winners, marred by injuries and inconsistent form.
- Pumas (9th, 24 points): A gritty, young squad that clawed its way into contention on the final matchday with a 2-1 win over América.
For both clubs, this game isn’t just about playoffs—it’s about pride, financial survival, and silencing critics.
Match Preview: Tactics, Injuries, and X-Factors
Monterrey: Redemption or Disaster?
Manager: Guillermo Almada (appointed mid-2024)
Formation: 4-3-3
Key Absences:
- Rogelio Funes Mori (hamstring, season over)
- Maximiliano Meza (suspended for yellow card accumulation)
Strategy:
With their iconic striker Funes Mori sidelined, Monterrey will rely on Jesús Corona (39-year-old veteran goalkeeper) and Ali Ávila (20-year-old midfield sensation) to stabilize the team. Almada’s tactics focus on dominating possession and exploiting Pumas’ shaky fullbacks with overlapping runs from Erick Aguirre and Gerardo Arteaga. Up front, Argentine loanee Lucas Beltrán (from River Plate) must step up as the new No. 9.
X-Factor:
Can Jordi Cortizo, Monterrey’s creative engine, unlock Pumas’ defense with his dribbling and vision?
Pumas UNAM: The Underdog’s Bite
Manager: Andrés Lillini (returned in 2024)
Formation: 5-3-2 (defensive counterattack)
Key Absences:
- Ulises Rivas (ankle injury)
- Jesús Alcantar (U-20 World Cup duty)
Strategy:
Pumas’ blueprint is clear: defend deep, frustrate Monterrey, and strike on the break. Captain Juan Dinenno remains their talisman, but the spotlight is on 18-year-old winger Diego García, a product of Pumas’ famed Cantera. Lillini’s five-man backline, anchored by Nicolás Freire, will aim to neutralize Monterrey’s wing play. Look for quick transitions to Dinenno and Diego Lainez, whose return on loan from Europe has injected creativity.
X-Factor:
Will Lainez, once dubbed “Mexico’s Messi,” finally deliver a career-defining performance?
Where to Watch: Global Broadcast Details
- Mexico: TUDN (TV), Vix+ (streaming)
- USA: Telemundo (Spanish), Paramount+ (English)
- Rest of the World: Liga MX Official YouTube (select regions)
Pre-game show: Starts at 8:00 PM CST with analysis from legends Hugo Sánchez (Pumas) and Luis Pérez (Monterrey).
Key Battles to Watch
- Jordi Cortizo vs. Pablo Bennevendo: Monterrey’s trickster vs. Pumas’ tenacious right-back.
- Juan Dinenno vs. Víctor Guzmán: A physical duel between Pumas’ striker and Monterrey’s towering center-back.
- Midfield War: Ali Ávila (Monterrey) vs. Santiago Trigos (Pumas) – youth vs. experience.
Fan Sentiment: Social Media on Fire
- #Rayados: Monterrey fans are split—some demand Almada’s resignation, while others rally behind the hashtag #CreemosHastaElFinal (“We Believe Until the End”).
- #Pumas: The Pumas faithful are roaring with #NuncaDejanDeLuchar (“They Never Stop Fighting”), celebrating their team’s late-season surge.
Historical Edge: Monterrey’s Dominance
Monterrey holds a psychological advantage, winning four of their last six meetings. However, Pumas triumphed 2-0 in their most recent clash (March 2025), a game that exposed Rayados’ defensive frailties.
Predictions: Experts Weigh In
- David Faitelson (ESPN): “Monterrey’s individual quality will prevail: 2-1.”
- Maricarmen Reguera (FOX Sports): “Pumas’ hunger and Dinenno’s clutch gene: 1-0.”
- Fan Poll (AS México): 52% Monterrey, 48% Pumas.
Beyond the Play-In: What’s Next?
- Monterrey: A loss could trigger a summer rebuild, with rumors of Almada’s exit and a $10M bid for Toluca’s Pedro Raúl.
- Pumas: Qualification might secure Lillini’s job and attract investors to their cash-strapped academy.
Weather Alert: A Wildcard Factor
Torrential rains are forecast in Monterrey, which could favor Pumas’ physical style and turn the game into a gritty, error-strewn contest.
Conclusion: A Night of Destiny
The Monterrey-Pumas Play-In isn’t just a game—it’s a microcosm of Liga MX’s relentless drama. For Monterrey, it’s about reclaiming their throne; for Pumas, it’s a chance to prove that heart can trump budget. Tune in this Saturday to witness tears, cheers, and history in the making.
Final Score Prediction: Monterrey 2-1 Pumas (AET) – Cortizo to be the hero.
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