On 16 January 2026, CF Monterrey delivered a commanding 5‑1 victory over Mazatlán at Estadio de Mazatlán, securing three points and boosting their early Clausura lead. The win highlighted Monterrey’s lethal attack, solid tactical setup, and widened the gap in the league table, while Mazatlán’s defensive frailties were exposed in the match, underscoring.
Game Summary
Monterrey opened the scoring within ten minutes when Gonzalo “Pity” Martínez finished a low cross from Luis Suárez. Javier Almagro added a second before the half‑hour mark, cutting inside and curling a shot into the top corner. Mazatlán’s lone goal came from a Jonathan García header at the 38th minute. In the second half Monterrey extended the lead with a quick‑fire double from Andrés Ramírez and Jesús Ramos, followed by another Martínez strike to make it 5‑1.
Tactical Overview
Monterrey deployed a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation focused on width and rapid transitions. Suárez and Almagro provided flank pressure, allowing Martínez and Ramos to exploit spaces behind Mazatlán’s back line. Midfield pivoters Ramírez and Juan Pérez linked defense and attack, dictating tempo.
Mazatlán lined up in a 4‑4‑2, relying on quick service to García. Defensive lapses in central zones and a high defensive line left them vulnerable to Monterrey’s counter‑attacks, resulting in four open‑play goals.
Historical Context
The result extends Monterrey’s dominance over Mazatlán, now seven consecutive unbeaten meetings. Prior to this game, Monterrey held a 12‑3 advantage in all competitions, highlighting a long‑standing disparity since Monterrey’s promotion to the top flight in 2019.
Implications for the Clausura
Monterrey’s win moves them to 12 points after two matches, cementing their status as early frontrunners. Their five‑goal outburst ranks them among the league’s most potent attacks. Mazatlán, with just one point, must address defensive organization and goal‑scoring consistency to avoid a relegation battle.
Player Ratings
- Gonzalo Martínez (Monterrey) – 8/10: Two goals, constant threat in the box.
- Luis Suárez (Monterrey) – 7/10: Created the opener and stretched the left side.
- Jorge Gutiérrez (Monterrey, captain) – 7/10: Organized a disciplined defense.
- Jonathan García (Mazatlán) – 6/10: Scored the sole goal, showed resilience.
- Luis Álvarez (Mazatlán) – 5/10: Faced a barrage of shots, unable to keep out the flood.
Looking Ahead
Monterrey’s next test comes against Atlético San Luis on 23 January, where defensive solidity will be crucial after an offensive showcase. Mazatlán travels to Puebla for a decisive fixture that could determine their campaign’s trajectory.
The 5‑1 drubbing underscores the importance of early‑season momentum in Liga MX. Monterrey’s emphatic victory sends a clear message: the Rayados are intent on reclaiming the title after a two‑year hiatus, blending experience with youthful exuberance.
