Club de Fútbol Monterrey has built a reputation as a bogeyman for teams featuring former FC Barcelona stars in CONCACAF competitions. This pattern has played out over the last two years, with key victories over Inter Miami and Chicago Fire, as reported by en.as.com.
Managed by Matías Almeyda, the team currently sits 7th in the Liga MX standings, with 9 points from a record of 3 wins and 2 losses in five matches. Their last outing was a 2-0 defeat to León on August 22, a result that leaves them four points behind leaders Club America. With 12 goals scored and 7 conceded, their attack is a strength, but inconsistency keeps them out of the top spots. The next chance to get back on track comes on August 31 against Atlético San Luis, the 16th-placed team, and fans can track the schedule on our fixtures page.
How did Monterrey beat Inter Miami in 2024?
On April 10, 2024, Rayados booked their place in the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals with a commanding victory. At Estadio BBVA, nicknamed the 'Steel Giant', the Mexican side defeated an Inter Miami team featuring Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, and Luis Suárez by a 3-1 scoreline. The aggregate finished 5-2 in Monterrey's favor, eliminating the Florida team. A key moment came when Jordi Alba received a red card and was sent off, further hampering the visitors' comeback hopes.
This victory was not an isolated incident. Later that same year, in the Leagues Cup quarterfinals, Monterrey faced Chicago Fire in Illinois. Robert Lewandowski's team was neutralized by the Rayados defense. The match appeared destined for penalties, but Orbelín Pineda produced a moment of brilliance to net a late winner and secure a 2-1 victory for his side, as the outlet noted. This win sent them to the tournament's semifinals.
What does this mean for Liga MX's history?
Lewandowski's elimination immediately evoked memories of the exit of Messi and company. These results reinforce Monterrey's reputation as 'kryptonite' for ex-Barcelona players, according to the original report's description. Beyond the anecdote, these successes carry historical weight for Liga MX. Under the current format, no Mexican club has won the Leagues Cup or even reached the final. Rayados' advance in 2024, alongside León's 3-0 win over Real Salt Lake in another bracket, and the scheduled matches for Club América and Toluca, sparked rumors that all four Mexican quarterfinalists could advance, suggesting Liga MX held the upper hand over MLS.
Monterrey's performances in those international tournaments demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest continental level. To check the detailed performance of the team and its players, supporters have access to our stats and squad pages.
What is the team's current context in 2026?
Today, the focus is back on the domestic league. The team's recent form (LWWWL in the last five matches) shows ups and downs. With a +5 goal difference, the attack functions but consistency is the challenge. Matías Almeyda must find stability to close the four-point gap with the leader. The match against San Luis presents a key opportunity to earn three points and climb positions in the standings.
The legacy of those historic nights against ex-Barça stars serves as a reminder of the club's potential. But the immediate objective is clear: to translate that strength shown in knockout tournaments into a more regular league campaign. The path continues at home, where the Steel Giant waits to see if Rayados can turn their recent past into momentum for the present.
