A night that was supposed to be one of triumph and celebration for Sergio Ramos ended in disappointment and frustration as Monterrey crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
A night that was supposed to be one of triumph and celebration for Sergio Ramos ended in disappointment and frustration as Monterrey crashed out of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. Despite marking his 1000th professional match with a crucial goal, the Mexican giants were eliminated by Vancouver Whitecaps on away goals after a 2-2 draw (3-3 on aggregate) in the Round of 16 second leg.
Monterrey had entered the match as clear favorites, determined to overturn the 1-1 draw from the first leg. The early signs were promising, as they dominated possession and took the lead through a stunning strike from Sergio Canales, who rifled a cross-shot past Vancouver goalkeeper Isaac Boehmer.
However, as the game progressed, the Liga MX giant lost control, allowing the Whitecaps to claw their way back into the contest. The visitors began to dictate the pace, and their patience was rewarded in the 56th minute when Edier Ocampo fired home a powerful shot that left goalkeeper Esteban Andrada helpless. The goal shifted the momentum entirely, forcing Rayados to chase the game once again.
Desperate to reclaim the lead, Monterrey pushed forward. However, it left them vulnerable at the back, and in the 78th minute, disaster struck. A chaotic sequence of deflections in the box saw the ball fall to Brian White, who slotted it past Andrada to give the MLS team a 2-1 lead.
With elimination looming, in the dying moments of stoppage time, the home side were gifted a lifeline in the form of a penalty. Up stepped Sergio Ramos, who coolly converted from the spot in the 97th minute to make it 2-2 (3-3 on aggregate). But the celebration was short-lived. The away goals rule meant that despite the late drama, Vancouver advanced to the quarter-finals, leaving Monterrey stunned.
Project in crisis?
This early exit is a bitter blow for Monterrey, especially after their semi-final heartbreak last year against Columbus Crew. Determined to go further this season, the club invested heavily in top European talent, bringing in Sergio Canales, Lucas Ocampos, Jesus Corona, and Sergio Ramos.
Ramos, who joined the club after nine months without a team following his departure from Sevilla, has quickly established himself as the leader of Monterrey’s defense, even wearing the captain’s armband. However, his presence has also raised questions about the team’s balance.
Following Monterrey’s elimination, the former Real Madrid ace didn’t shy away from taking responsibility. “We have to be self-critical because, regardless of being eliminated today, we can do much more. We’ll now have time to prepare for the next game and try to forget this, because, obviously, it’s not pleasant for anyone,” he said.
