High Stakes in the Clausura 2026: Monterrey vs Pachuca
With only three matchdays remaining in the Liga MX Clausura 2026, the tension is palpable. The race for the top eight spots—the coveted Liguilla—is heating up, and for some giants, the clock is ticking louder than others. This weekend, the BBVA Stadium sets the stage for a fascinating contrast in momentum as Monterrey takes on Pachuca.
Monterrey: A Giant in Crisis
Once the dominant force of the last decade, Monterrey (Rayados) finds itself in a precarious position. Currently sitting in 13th place with only 15 points, the team is staring at a potential disaster. The season has been a rollercoaster of instability, starting with the tenure of Domènec Torrent and continuing under interim manager Nico Sánchez, who has yet to find the winning formula.
After a frustrating 0-0 draw against Atlas at the Estadio Jalisco, La Pandilla is desperate for a spark. With seven defeats already on their record this championship, the pressure is on to avoid a humiliating exit before the playoffs even begin.
Pachuca: The Silent Contender
On the opposite side of the spectrum, Pachuca (Los Tuzos) has been the tournament’s “dark horse.” Avoiding the glare of the spotlight, Esteban Solari’s men have climbed steadily to 3rd place with 28 points, tying them with Cruz Azul for the second spot.
Pachuca is currently riding a wave of confidence, remaining unbeaten in their last six matches (four wins and two draws). Their recent 4-2 demolition of Santos Laguna, featuring a stunning hat-trick by Víctor ‘Pocho’ Guzmán, proves that they are no longer just participants—they are genuine title contenders.
Head-to-Head and Key Stats
History isn’t favoring the home side. Pachuca has dominated the most recent encounters, winning the last three matchups between the two clubs. This psychological edge, combined with Monterrey’s fragile form, makes the Tuzos the favorites heading into this clash.
- Last meeting: Pachuca 3-0 Monterrey (July 13, 2026)
- Monterrey form: Struggling for goals and consistency.
- Pachuca form: High-scoring and defensively solid.
Injury Report and Probable Lineups
Monterrey enters this game with several doubts. Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez (lumbar injury) and Stefan Medina (muscular issue) are questionable. Meanwhile, Iker Fimbres remains sidelined with a severe ankle sprain.
On a positive note, Alan Mozo has finally returned to training after a fibula fracture. His presence could provide a much-needed boost to the right flank, though Carlos Sánchez has become a reliable starter in his absence.
Probable Lineups (4-2-3-1):
Monterrey:
- Luis Cárdenas; Daniel Aceves, Carlos Salcedo, Víctor Guzmán, Ricardo Chávez; Óliver Torres, Fidel Ambriz, ‘Tecatito’ Corona; Lucas Ocampos, Luca Orellano, Uros Djurdjevic ‘Djuka’.
Pachuca:
- Carlos Moreno; Brian García, Sergio Barreto, Eduardo Bauermann, Carlos Sánchez; ‘Pocho’ Guzmán, Elías Montiel, Sergio Rodríguez; Oussama Idrissi, Robert Kenedy, Salomón Rondón.
Match Details: How to Watch
Don’t miss a minute of the action! You can follow the match through the following details:
- Date: Saturday, April 18
- Time: 8:05 PM ET (USA) / 7:05 PM (Mexico)
- Venue: BBVA Stadium, Guadalupe, Nuevo León
- Where to watch (USA): ViX, TUDN USA, Univision, and TUDN.com.
For more official updates on the tournament standings, visit the official Liga MX website.
