César Garza was the match-winner for Club de Fútbol Monterrey in a 1-0 victory over Cruz Azul in Matchday 9 of the Apertura 2026. The midfielder finished precisely after a pass from Jesús Corona in the 7th minute, an early goal that proved to be the only one of the match played this Saturday.
The win allows Rayados to collect three key points that keep them in seventh place in the standings, with 13 points from eight games. They now sit six points behind leaders Toluca but have managed to end a two-match winless run in the league. Matías Almeyda's side lined up in a 4-2-3-1, with Ezequiel Andrada in goal and Hugo Cuypers up front, while Lucas Ocampos, the team's top scorer this season with five goals, operated on the wing.
A game of few clear chances
After the early goal, the match became balanced in midfield. Cruz Azul, managed by Joel Huiqui, had 53% of possession but failed to create clear danger against a well-organized Monterrey defense. The visitors' best chance came in the second half, but Andrada made one of his four saves to keep a clean sheet. Monterrey generated 17 shots, with five on target, but could not extend their lead.
The flow of the game was interrupted by numerous fouls. In the 58th minute, Garza and visiting forward Gabriel Fernández received yellow cards after a scuffle. Two minutes later, Gonzalo Piovi was also booked for a hard tackle. Almeyda made his first change in the 61st minute, bringing on Stefan Medina for Daniel Aceves. Later, in the final stages, Fidel Ambriz and Jorge Rodríguez replaced Corona and Lucas Orellano to add fresh legs.
With this result, Monterrey improves their goal difference to 14 for and 10 against. The team now turns its focus to the next outing, a visit to Atlante FC on Saturday, September 26. Atlante currently sit in 14th place, offering Rayados an opportunity to try and build a winning streak.
