When CF Monterrey hosts Club América at Estadio BBVA on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, it won’t just be another playoff match — it’s a collision of Mexico’s football soul. The first leg of the Apertura 2025 quarterfinal kicks off at 9:05 PM local time in Monterrey, Nuevo León, with U.S. fans tuning in at 10:05 PM EST on Univision, TUDN, and ViX Premium. This isn’t just about advancing in the Liguilla. It’s about pride, history, and the raw energy of a rivalry that divides the country from north to south.
Why This Match Matters More Than the Scoreline
Monterrey and América aren’t just two teams in Liga MX — they’re institutions. Founded in 1945, CF Monterrey represents the industrial heartbeat of northern Mexico, backed by FEMSA, the beverage giant that owns Coca-Cola FEMSA. Meanwhile, Club América, established in 1916 and owned by Grupo Televisa, is the face of Mexico City’s football culture — the most decorated club in Mexican history with 14 Liga MX titles. Their meetings are more than games; they’re cultural events.
The stakes? A direct path to the semifinals. With Monterrey seeded fifth and América fourth, this is a classic case of the higher seed hosting first — a small advantage, but one that could swing the series. The second leg on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Estadio Azteca, will be a cauldron of noise, with over 87,000 fans packed into the largest stadium in the country. Whoever wins on aggregate advances. Lose, and you’re out.
The Strategic Timing: Concerts, Sanctions, and Broadcasts
Here’s the twist: this match wasn’t scheduled by accident. According to soyfutbol.com, Liga MX deliberately placed this game in a triple-header slot to avoid clashing with a Junior H concert in Monterrey. Why? Because the Benito Juárez Municipality had warned that hosting a major football match on the same night as a popular music event could trigger fines or even event cancellations due to noise and traffic regulations. The league moved smartly — and it paid off. Attendance at Estadio BBVA is expected to hit 95% capacity, and the broadcast windows were timed to maximize U.S. viewership across three platforms: Univision, TUDN, and ViX Premium.
For American fans, the 10:05 PM EST start means the match airs just after prime-time network programming ends — perfect for diehards. Meanwhile, in Mexico, the 9:05 PM kickoff allows families to watch after dinner, while still giving the game enough time to build momentum before midnight.
History in the Making: Past Encounters That Still Echo
The last time these two met in the playoffs, it was 2022. In a dramatic Apertura round at Estadio BBVA, América came from behind to draw 2-2. Ramón Juárez’s 88th-minute header left Monterrey goalkeeper Sergio Ramos frozen — a moment replayed endlessly on Mexican sports channels. That night, América called it a "moral victory." But just months later, Monterrey exacted revenge with a 2-0 win, thanks to a stunning 45+3’ strike from Sergio Canales and a 70’ finish by Fidel Ambríz. Those names still echo in locker rooms.
Even the regular season clash on September 20, 2025, ended 2-2 — a sign that neither side holds a clear advantage. The balance of power is razor-thin. Monterrey’s home form at Estadio BBVA — known locally as "El Gigante de Acero" — has been dominant this season, with only one loss in 11 games. América, meanwhile, has struggled on the road, winning just twice away from Azteca since August.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for Liga MX
This matchup is a showcase for Liga MX’s global ambitions. The league’s decision to schedule this as a triple-header — alongside two other playoff games — signals a shift toward treating its postseason like the NFL or Premier League: high-stakes, high-viewership, high-production. The use of ViX Premium, a streaming platform owned by TelevisaUnivision, shows they’re betting big on digital growth in the U.S. Hispanic market.
And the numbers back it up. Last year’s Liga MX playoffs drew an average of 1.8 million viewers per game in the U.S. alone. This game? It could break records. With both clubs boasting massive social media followings — América leads with 24 million across platforms, Monterrey at 18 million — the digital buzz is already deafening.
What’s Next? The Second Leg and the Road to the Final
If Monterrey holds serve at home — and a 1-0 or 2-1 win would be ideal — they’ll head to Azteca with control of the series. But if América escapes with a 1-0 or 2-2 draw? The tables turn. The second leg on November 29 is set for 6:00 PM ET at Estadio Azteca, and it will be broadcast live on Univision and TUDN. Expect tactical adjustments: Monterrey may sit deeper, while América will push forward with their star striker, Jonathan Rodríguez, who’s scored in five of his last seven away games.
One thing’s certain: whoever lifts the Apertura 2025 trophy will have survived this gauntlet. And if you’re a fan, you’re already counting down the minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can U.S. viewers watch the Monterrey vs América match live?
U.S. viewers can watch live on Univision, TUDN, or via streaming on ViX Premium. The kickoff is at 10:05 PM EST (7:05 PM PST) on Wednesday, November 26, 2025. No cable subscription is required for ViX Premium, which offers Spanish and English commentary options. DirecTV Insider confirms these are the only official U.S. broadcasters.
Why is the match scheduled during a concert night in Monterrey?
Liga MX intentionally scheduled this match as part of a triple-header to avoid a conflict with a Junior H concert in Monterrey, which could have triggered municipal sanctions over noise and traffic. By spacing out the games, the league ensured both events could proceed without legal or logistical issues — a rare example of sports and entertainment coexisting strategically.
What’s the historical advantage between Monterrey and América in playoffs?
In playoff history, América leads the head-to-head record 7-5 in 12 encounters since 2000, but Monterrey has won the last two series — including the 2021 Clausura semifinals. Home advantage has been decisive: Monterrey has won all three playoff matches at Estadio BBVA since 2018. The 2022 quarterfinal draw remains the most recent meeting before this one.
How does the two-leg format affect strategy?
The away goals rule was abolished in 2022, so now it’s purely about total goals. That means Monterrey can afford to play defensively at home if they score once, knowing they can absorb pressure in Mexico City. América, however, must avoid conceding early — a 0-1 loss at Estadio BBVA puts them in a dangerous spot, as Azteca’s high altitude and noise make comebacks harder than ever.
Is there any chance this match gets postponed?
No. Both stadiums are confirmed, weather forecasts show clear skies in Monterrey and Mexico City, and no player injuries have been reported that would delay the match. Liga MX has been adamant about sticking to its schedule, especially with the Apertura final set for December 15. Even a simulated match on YouTube by Rey Deportivo won’t change the real game’s timing.
What’s at stake beyond the semifinals?
The winner earns a spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup — Mexico’s top club competition for international play. For América, it’s a chance to extend their legacy as Mexico’s most successful club. For Monterrey, it’s a shot at their first title since 2021 and a chance to silence critics who say they can’t win big games without home crowd support.
