Argentine goalkeeper Esteban Andrada returned to the goal for Club de Fútbol Monterrey on August 26 after serving a 122-day suspension. His comeback was a winning one, as Rayados defeated Chicago Fire 2-1 to advance to the Leagues Cup semifinals.
Andrada's return comes at a key moment for the team managed by Matías Almeyda. Monterrey currently sits seventh in Liga MX with 9 points from five games, as shown on our standings page. Their recent form shows three wins and two losses in their last five outings, including a 2-0 defeat to León on August 22.
Why was Esteban Andrada suspended?
The goalkeeper's absence stemmed from a violent incident on April 26. Andrada, who was on loan at Spain's Real Zaragoza at the time, punched central defender Jorge Pulido during a derby match against Huesca. Referee Arcediano Monescillo showed him a double yellow card and sent him off.
The RFEF Competition Committee imposed a total 13-match ban. Twelve matches were for the violent conduct and one additional match for the double booking. This suspension caused him to miss Zaragoza's final matches of the season against teams like Granada, Valladolid, and UD Las Palmas.
How did the suspension affect his return to Monterrey?
When Andrada's loan ended and he returned to Mexico, the suspension was still active. FIFA notified the Spanish federation's punishment, forcing the player to serve the remaining matches with Club de Fútbol Monterrey as well.
Consequently, he missed the start of the Apertura 2026. He was absent for matches against Santos, Necaxa, Atlas, Juárez, and León. He also missed the initial Leagues Cup games against Orlando City, Inter Miami, and Nashville. Andrada admitted he had a difficult time during the process. "It took a while, the truth is I had a hard time, I had already regretted it when I went out to make a statement," the goalkeeper said in comments reported by Sport.es.
What appeals did Andrada present against the sanction?
The footballer appealed the sanction individually to the Appeal Committee. However, his appeal was dismissed. The lack of support from Real Zaragoza regarding the match report appears to have been a decisive factor in this rejection.
Andrada even took his case to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), but this body did not accept reducing the sanction. The legal process dragged on for months, a period the keeper says he took calmly. "I took this process of months very calmly and I am grateful to the club that opened its doors to me again," he added.
What is the current context for Club de Fútbol Monterrey?
Andrada's return is encouraging news for a team looking to solidify its title challenge. Rayados are four points behind leaders Club America and have a season record of 12 goals scored and 7 conceded. Their next Liga MX challenge is against bottom-placed Atlético San Luis on August 31, a match you can find on our fixtures page.
In attack, the team is boosted by the form of L. Ocampos, the top scorer with five goals in five appearances, according to the club's stats. The defense, now strengthened by Andrada's experience in goal, will seek greater solidity to improve the results streak.
The Leagues Cup victory and the return of a key piece like Andrada inject optimism into Almeyda's squad. The team faces a busy schedule with the aim of competing on all fronts, and having their starting goalkeeper available makes a significant difference for the decisive weeks ahead.
