America and Monterrey shared two points each in the Copa de la Liga semi-finals, with the match heading to penalties after a 2:2 draw at Dignity Health Sports Park on 3 September 2026. The visitors won the shootout 5-3, with D. Rossi converting for Monterrey in the regular time while A. Cervantes netted twice for the hosts.
And here's the thing — the game opened up after the break. D. Rossi gave America the lead in the forty-ninth minute, but R. Juarez levelled for Monterrey seven minutes later. Cervantes then doubled his tally within ninety seconds, putting the hosts ahead at 2:1 before L. Ocampos struck from the spot in the sixty-ninth minute.
By then the match had settled into a rhythm where neither side could find a winner. Substitutions came thick and fast, with I. Violante making two appearances for Monterrey and H. Martin also featuring twice. Cervantes saw yellow in the eighty-sixth minute, and the game stretched into extra time.
The penalty shootout told a different story. America lost three of their five takers — Veiga, Rodriguez and Sanchez scored, but Cervantes missed his spot-kick. Monterrey were ruthless, with Orellano, Rossi, Reyes, Corona and Cuypers all finding the net.
Statistics showed the hosts dominated possession at 49 per cent but created just one big chance, while Monterrey held 51 per cent and matched that figure. America registered five shots on target with twenty-nine per cent accuracy, the same conversion rate as the visitors despite their higher shot volume.
The result extends Monterrey's recent form, which had shown inconsistency with defeats to Atlas San Luis and Leon in their last five outings. America arrive at this stage on a better run, having won three of their previous five matches including victories over Puebla and Columbus Crew.
