Sergio Canales could not have imagined a better start to his time with CF Monterrey. Having come on for his debut in the Leagues Cup 2023 round of 32 win against the Portland Timbers, the Spaniard was named in coach Fernando Ortiz’s starting eleven for the Clásico Regio against arch rivals Club Tigres in the next round.
As expected, the two Nuevo León outfits traded blows in a high-intensity encounter, in what was the 132nd time the cross-town opponents were facing off. The two goalkeepers, Esteban Andrada and Nahuel Guzmán, were equal to the attackers’ efforts, though.
There was no way through for either team until stoppage time at the end of the game, when Rayados were awarded a penalty. The Cantabrian would then step up for the big moment and put away the spot-kick emphatically, prompting ecstatic celebrations both on and off the pitch.
Just over two weeks after arriving in Mexico, the former Real Betis man has already written his name into CF Monterrey folklore with a late winner against the Auriazules - not a bad way to endear yourself to your new fans.
“We showed great character, we came out to win. The game was stop and start at times, but I think that’s what they were looking for. But this is a very competitive team that can get through the difficult moments”, Canales explained in the press zone after the match.
The former Spanish international will be looking to claim a first piece of silverware with his new team at this summer’s Leagues Cup. The LIGA MX side will face none other than 2022 MLS Cup champions Los Angeles FC in their quarter-final clash. The California team, who entered the tournament at the round of 32 stage, have scored 11 goals in their two matches so far - their match-up against Rayados promises to be one of the blockbuster games of the tournament.
