Monterrey earned its place in the 2026 Leagues Cup final after defeating Club América in a dramatic penalty shootout Wednesday night. With a championship spot at stake, neither side gave an inch, turning one of Liga MX’s biggest rivalries into another high-stakes battle. After 90 intense minutes finished level, Rayados stayed perfect from the penalty spot to eliminate América.
The first half was evenly matched, although América looked slightly more dangerous by using the pace of Brian Rodríguez and Iván Violante to stretch Monterrey’s defense. Rayados, meanwhile, remained patient in possession and waited for opportunities to attack. The match changed after halftime when D. Rossi gave Monterrey the lead in the 49th minute. América responded through Ramón Juárez in the 57th before A. Cervantes completed the comeback six minutes later, putting Las Águilas ahead 2–1. Monterrey refused to let the semifinal slip away, as Lucas Ocampos calmly converted a penalty in the 69th minute to level the match at 2–2, setting up a tense finish.
Neither team found a winner before the final whistle, sending the match to penalties. Monterrey kept its composure, converting all five attempts, while América faltered when A. Cervantes missed his kick. Héctor Cuypers buried Monterrey’s fifth penalty to seal the victory and send Rayados to the final.
Monterrey will now face Toluca in the Leagues Cup final, while América will meet León in the third-place match.
Article and photos by Ricardo Ulloa
