Pachuca Dominates Monterrey 3‑0 in Liga MX Opener

Match Overview 

Pachuca delivered a commanding performance to open the Liga MX Apertura 2025, defeating Monterrey 3‑0 at Estadio Hidalgo on July 14, 2025. After a goalless first half, three second‑half strikes sealed a comprehensive win.

Goal Timeline:

• 51': Jhonder Cádiz opens the scoring with a left‑footed finish after controlling a long pass from Alan Bautista.

• 55': Just four minutes later, Cádiz assists Alexei Domínguez with a rabona-style play setting up the second goal.

• 78': 19‑year‑old Elías Montiel Luis adds the third with a precise finish off Víctor Guzmán’s heel pass.

Pachuca did not concede a goal and controlled the game after half‑time, leaving Monterrey ineffective in the final third .

Player Performances 

• Jhonder Cádiz: Goal and assist; pivotal in opening the scoring and creating the second goal.

• Alexei Domínguez: Took advantage of space and pace to finish cleanly for goal number two.

• Elías Montiel: The young midfielder cemented the win with the third goal.

• Goalkeeper & Defense: Kept a clean sheet, showcasing tight organization and focus.

What It Means 

• Coach Jaime Lozano praised his squad's confidence and pragmatism, highlighting the result as a message to the league that Pachuca is serious in this Apertura campaign.

• This commanding win provides a boost after a disappointing season finish last year, when Pachuca finished 16th in the Apertura table under Guillermo Almada.

• Monterrey now faces questions about translating possession into goals, having dominated early but created few clear chances after the break.

Match Summary 

Tactical Breakdown 

Pachuca’s Approach

1. Second‑half aggressiveness: After a stalemate at the break, Tuzos came out sharper, pressing high and exploiting Monterrey’s lack of defensive cohesion.

2. Youth and creativity: Cádiz and Montiel brought energy and unpredictability, while established figures like Guzmán provided composure.

3. Disciplined defense: Withstood early pressure and kept Monterrey at bay—the clean sheet was evidence of tactical defensiveness done well.

Monterrey’s Struggles

1. Wasteful possession: Despite controlling possession in the first half, Monterrey lacked precision in the final third.

2. No finishing thrust: Failed to test Pachuca’s goalkeeper enough post-halftime.

3. Defensive cracks: Gaps opened up in transition, exploited by Cádiz and co.

Highlights  

• Strong opener: Pachuca kicks off Apertura 2025 with a statement 3‑0 home win.

• Cádiz in form: Venezuelan striker’s goal and assist set the tempo.

• Montiel shines: 19‑year‑old seals victory with mature finish.

• Clean sheet, no goals conceded.

• Coach Lozano pleased with both performance and result.

• Monterrey must regroup after underwhelming attacking display.

Broader Context & Outlook 

• Recent history: Pachuca upset Monterrey in a Play‑In match in Clausura 2025, winning 2‑1 in dramatic fashion to secure a quarterfinal spot. But in overall head-to-head, Monterrey has historically had a slight edge: 28 wins in 64 meetings compared to Pachuca's 20 wins.

• Apertura season opener: This is just the first matchday. Pachuca now sets the tone; Monterrey must bounce back quickly.

• County/world stage: Both clubs played in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup—Monterrey performed well, but crashed in the round of 16 to Borussia Dortmund, while Pachuca exited after the group stage. Now domestic form takes priority.

What’s next:

• Pachuca travels to face Mazatlán on July 27.

• Monterrey faces Atlético San Luis on July 19 in their next Liga MX fixture.

Final Thoughts 

Pachuca’s emphatic 3‑0 victory over Monterrey served as a bold opening statement to the 2025 Apertura season. Cádiz’s involvement and Montiel’s strike highlighted a blend of youthful flair and clinical finishing. Under Jaime Lozano, the Tuzos look energized and ready for a resurgence, while Monterrey must urgently address inefficiencies in attack and defensive transitions.

Expect a confidence‑boosted Pachuca moving forward—and a Monterrey side that will need to fight back to stay competitive in the first weeks of the campaign.