On January 17, 2026, Mazatlán FC host Monterrey at Estadio de Mazatlán in a pivotal Liga MX Clausura clash. The Cañoneros sit 17th with only three points, while the Rayados sit seventh with 19 points and a playoff push. A win could lift Mazatlán out of the relegation zone, and Monterrey aims to solidify its playoff bid. The match streams live on ESPN Deportes and Liga MX+.
Current Form and Table Pressure
Mazatlán FC Struggles
After 10 rounds, Mazatlán have earned just three points, placing them firmly in the relegation zone. Their defense concedes an average of 1.8 goals per game, while the attack scores only 0.9 goals per match. The last victory came in the previous Apertura, and the team has since endured a string of draws and defeats.
Monterrey’s Consistency
Monterrey sit 7th with 19 points from 10 games, boasting five wins, four draws and a single loss. Their defense allows just 0.7 goals per match, and the forward line, led by striker Jonathan Rodríguez, averages 1.6 goals per game. Recent results include a 3‑1 win over Tigres and a 2‑2 draw with Club América.
Recent Encounters and Head‑to‑Head History
This is the second meeting of the season. The first clash in early November ended in a 1‑1 draw at Estadio BBVA. Monterrey have won five of the last ten meetings, drawn three and lost two, indicating a slight historical edge but a tightly contested rivalry.
Tactical Preview
Mazatlán FC Game Plan
Coach Diego Ramírez is expected to line up in a pragmatic 4‑4‑2, emphasizing defensive compactness and quick counter‑attacks. Midfielder Diego García, the team’s most effective scorer, contributes both a goal and an assist this season. Left‑back José López may provide overlapping runs to test Monterrey’s right flank.
Monterrey Strategy
Manager José Ramón Aparicio will likely deploy a fluid 4‑2‑3‑1, with Jonathan Rodríguez as the central striker supported by creative midfielders Luis Gómez and Carlos Pérez. Monterrey’s set‑piece conversion rate sits at 40 %, making corners a potential game‑changing factor.
Implications for the Clausura
What a Win Means for Mazatlán
A victory would lift Mazatlán to 16th place, narrowing the safety gap to just two points and reigniting hope among fans. It could also spark a late‑season surge to escape the drop zone entirely.
What a Win Means for Monterrey
Three points would raise Monterrey to 22 points, tightening the race for the final playoff spots and applying pressure on teams occupying 5th‑6th place. Even a draw maintains their momentum and keeps a comfortable buffer above the mid‑table cluster.
Broadcast and Fan Access
The match will be streamed live on ESPN Deportes and the league’s official platform Liga MX+ (subscription required). In Mexico, free‑to‑air channel Canal 5 will also carry the game. International viewers can watch via ESPN’s worldwide network with English commentary and real‑time stats.
Final Thoughts
As kickoff approaches, both clubs face a crossroads. Mazatlán must summon resilience to turn a disappointing season into a survival statement, while Monterrey strives to cement its playoff trajectory. The vibrant atmosphere of Estadio de Mazatlán promises high drama, tactical intrigue, and a result that could reshape the fortunes of both sides in the 2025‑26 Clausura.
