Monterrey secured a crucial 1-0 away victory against Atlético San Luis in the Liga MX Apertura 2025, with Germán Berterame’s decisive goal breaking the deadlock. The highly anticipated match, held at the Estadio Alfonso Lastras Ramírez in San Luis Potosí, Mexico, on Friday, July 18, 2025, saw Rayados overcome a challenging opponent and a historically difficult away record under the watchful eye of referee Joaquin Alberto Vizcarra Armenta. Kick-off was at 9:00 PM local time (CDMX).
Under the guidance of coach Domènec Torrent Font, Monterrey entered the fixture determined to rebound from a disappointing 3-0 loss to Pachuca in their opening fixture of the Apertura 2025. Adding to the pressure, the Estadio Alfonso Lastras Ramírez had proven to be a formidable fortress for Atlético San Luis, with Rayados failing to secure a win there against Atlético San Luis since 2022 and having suffered defeats in their last three encounters at the venue. Atlético San Luis, led by Guillermo Abascal, aimed to build on their opening win, despite their overall record standing at one win and one loss before this game. (Marca MX)
The lone goal of the night came in the 42nd minute when Germán Berterame found the back of the net for Monterrey. The Argentine forward capitalized on a swift counter-attack, delivering a precise left-footed shot from the center of the box that left the San Luis goalkeeper with no chance. This crucial strike sent Monterrey into halftime with a 1-0 lead, a lead they would fiercely defend throughout the second half.
The match was a tactical battle, with Monterrey’s probable 3-4-3 formation, featuring key players like Sergio Ramos, Sergio Canales, and Jesús Corona, facing Atlético San Luis’s 4-2-3-1 setup, which included Andrés Sánchez in goal and João Pedro leading the attack. Both teams showed moments of offensive threat, but defensive solidity ultimately defined the outcome.
Statistically, Monterrey held the upper hand in several key areas, reflecting their control over the game. They maintained 57.2% possession compared to Atlético San Luis’s 42.8%. Rayados also registered more shots on goal (3 to 1) and a significantly higher total number of shots (13 to 5), indicating their greater attacking intent. Both teams received two yellow cards each, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter. Atlético San Luis had more corner kicks (5 to 3), while Monterrey’s goalkeeper made 1 save to San Luis’s 2, underscoring the defensive efforts from both sides. (ESPN Deportes)
Following the match, analyst Dionisio Estrada specifically highlighted the impactful performance of Jesús ‘Tecatito’ Corona, noting his significant contribution to Monterrey’s victory. Corona’s skill and dynamism were instrumental in creating opportunities and maintaining pressure on the San Luis defense, proving vital in a tightly contested affair.
With this hard-fought victory, both Atlético San Luis and Monterrey now stand at 3 points after two matches in the Liga MX Apertura 2025. San Luis, despite the home loss, holds 8th place due to goal difference, while Monterrey climbs to 10th in the league standings. The early stages of the tournament see Toluca leading the pack with a perfect 6 points from two games, followed by América and Mazatlán FC, both on 4 points.
In other league action, Mazatlán FC secured their first triumph of the Apertura, defeating Puebla 2-1. Goals from Alberto Herrera and Ecuadorian Jordan Sierra sealed the win for Mazatlán, bringing their total to 4 points after two matchdays. Emiliano Gómez scored for Puebla, who are still seeking their first points of the season. (ESPN Deportes)
Monterrey’s gritty away win marks a positive turning point in their Apertura campaign. It not only provides crucial points but also demonstrates their resilience and tactical discipline to secure a victory on the road against a historically challenging opponent, undoubtedly boosting their confidence for upcoming fixtures in the Liga MX.
