Rayados once again proved they can rise to the occasion when the pressure mounts and secured their spot in the Leagues Cup semifinals after defeating Chicago Fire 2-1 in a match that had it all: great saves, controversy, a missed penalty, and a spectacular goal in the final minutes.
The Monterrey team had to work extra hard to secure the victory but ultimately prevailed thanks to goals by Víctor Guzmán and Orbelín Pineda, knocking out the U.S. team, which featured Polish forward Robert Lewandowski.
Now, Rayados awaits its next opponent, the winner of the match between América and the Columbus Crew.
Andrada prevents Chicago Fire’s first goal
The match began with Chicago looking to take advantage of home-field advantage, and just 13 minutes in, they had a golden opportunity. Robert Lewandowski received the ball and found himself one-on-one with Esteban Andrada, but the Argentine goalkeeper made a great save to prevent the Polish striker from opening the scoring.
Rayados weathered the early scare and began to take greater control of the match. In the 24th minute, Monterrey had its first clear chance. Hugo Cuypers connected with a header that was blocked by goalkeeper Brady. The rebound fell to Lucas Ocampos, though the Argentine was unable to capitalize on it.
Shortly afterward, Jesús “Tecatito” Corona also tried his luck with a right-footed shot that sailed over the crossbar.
Missed penalty and VAR controversy
The Rayados’ persistence ultimately led to one of the most controversial plays of the match. During a play inside the box, Hugo Cuypers was brought down by goalkeeper Brady, who came out with his fists and struck the forward in the face. The referee called a penalty, and Lucas Ocampos stepped up to take the kick.
However, just before the kick, the referee decided to consult VAR to review whether to show the goalkeeper a red card. After the review, play resumed with the penalty kick, but Ocampos was unable to convert it in the 40th minute. The call might have been a blow to Monterrey’s morale, but the team reacted immediately.
Víctor Guzmán puts Rayados ahead
Before the first half ended, Gerardo Arteaga took a set piece and delivered a precise cross into the box. Víctor Guzmán was there, rising above the defenders and connecting with a powerful header that beat Brady.
Rayados went into halftime leading 1-0, just when the match seemed to be getting tougher.
Chicago Fire ties the game
The MLS side came out determined to turn the tide in the second half and was rewarded in the 60th minute. Lucas Ocampos lost the ball on a clearance, and Chicago Fire capitalized on the mistake to launch a quick counterattack.
The play ended inside the box, and Philip Zinckernagel stepped up to fire a right-footed shot that beat Andrada and tied the score at 1-1. The tie brought tension back to the match, and Chicago began to press in search of a comeback. Rayados had a few chances to regain the lead, but the score seemed destined to remain level.
Orbelín Pineda scores a stunning winner
Just as the match seemed to be heading toward a dramatic finish, one of Monterrey’s most important players stepped up. In the final minutes, Orbelín Pineda received the ball outside the box, struck it first-time, and unleashed a spectacular shot that found the back of the net.
A stunning goal and a 2-1 lead for Rayados.
The midfielder appeared at just the right moment to restore the lead for the Monterrey team and practically secure their spot in the semifinals. Chicago tried to mount a comeback in the final minutes, but Monterrey held off the late attacks and secured another victory on U.S. soil.
Rayados are now in the Leagues Cup semifinals
With the win, Rayados became one of the four teams that will compete in the Leagues Cup semifinals. The team coached by Matías Almeyda will now have to wait for the result of the match between América and the Columbus Crew to find out who their next opponent will be.
Monterrey has already eliminated the Chicago Fire, demonstrating one of the qualities every team needs most in a single-elimination tournament: the ability to bounce back even when things get tough. This time, when a draw seemed inevitable, it was Orbelín Pineda who stepped up with a spectacular goal to keep Rayados’ dream of winning the Leagues Cup alive.
