Jornada 5 of the Liga MX Apertura 2025 will feature a compelling matchup as an in-form CF Monterrey hosts a struggling Mazatlán FC at the Estadio BBVA. The match is scheduled for Sunday, August 17, 2025, with kickoff at 18:00 Central Mexico Time. The contest pits a Rayados squad on a hot streak against a Mazatlán side desperate to find consistency, particularly on the road.
Monterrey, under the guidance of coach Domènec Torrent, has firmly established itself as a contender in the early stages of the tournament. After an opening-day loss, Rayados have rattled off three consecutive victories, placing them sixth in the league table with 9 points from four matches. Their most recent triumph was an impressive 3-1 away win against Club León, showcasing their offensive firepower. According to multiple reports, Monterrey has been formidable at home, winning eight of their last ten league matches at Estadio BBVA. The team’s attack is led by the prolific Germán Berterame, who has already netted four goals this season, supported by creative midfielders like Óliver Torres, who leads the team with two assists.
In stark contrast, Mazatlán FC has had an uneven start to their campaign. The team currently sits in 11th place with just five points, having recorded one win, two draws, and one loss. Their last outing was a frustrating 2-2 draw at home against Club Tijuana, a match in which they let a victory slip away. Mazatlán’s struggles are magnified on the road, where they are winless in their last eight matches and have lost seven of their last ten away fixtures. While their offense has been less productive, with only four goals scored, Nicolás Benedetti has been a bright spot, accounting for two of those goals.
The tactical battle will likely see Monterrey’s attacking formation clash with Mazatlán’s defensive setup. Despite their lowly league position, Mazatlán has been statistically solid at the back, conceding only four goals—tied for the fewest in the league, as noted by Bleacher Nation. Monterrey is expected to field a strong lineup featuring stars like Sergio Ramos, Sergio Canales, and Jesús Corona, aiming to break down the visitors’ resilience.
Expected Lineups:
- Monterrey: Santiago Mele; Ricardo Chávez, Stefan Medina, Sergio Ramos, Gerardo Arteaga; Óliver Torres, Fidel Ambriz, Jorge Rodríguez; Jesús Corona, Sergio Canales, and Germán Berterame.
- Mazatlán: Ricardo Gutiérrez; Bryan Colula, Facundo Almada, Lucas Merolla, Jair Díaz; Jordan Sierra, José Esquivel, Ánderson Duarte; Nicolás Benedetti, Jesús Hernández, and Fábio Gomes.
Historically, Monterrey has dominated this fixture, winning six of the last ten encounters, with three draws and only one loss. However, that single victory for Mazatlán came in their most recent meeting in February 2025, a 1-0 result that will give the visitors a sliver of hope. Betting markets reflect Monterrey’s current form and historical advantage, with sportsbooks listing them as heavy favorites with moneyline odds around -280. As reported by MedioTiempo, a win for Mazatlán is considered a significant upset at +700.
With Monterrey looking to climb higher in the standings and Mazatlán needing to reverse their poor away form, Sunday’s match promises to be a critical test for both clubs. Fans can watch the match live in Mexico through the VIX streaming platform.
