Monterrey heads into Sunday's play-in clash on a high, having bounced back in style after their bitter derby loss at the Estadio Universitario.
The Rayados stitched together back-to-back wins over two Liga MXheavyweights already locked into the quarterfinals — edging América 1-0 and blanking León 2-0, while keeping clean sheets in both outings. Veteran defender Sergio Ramos delivered a standout performance in the victory over León.
Still, despite the strong finish, Monterrey fell just short of clinching an automatic quarterfinal berth, ending the Clausura regular season in seventh. However, they’ll enjoy home-field advantage when they welcome Pachuca to BBVA Stadium for their do-or-die showdown.
Whoever emerges victorious between Monterrey and Pachuca will book a date with powerhouse América. The loser, though, will have one more lifeline against the winner of the Juarez-Pumas matchup.
Pachuca, a side well-versed in playoff scraps, won't make it easy. Although they fumbled a big chance by falling to San Luis on Matchday 17, the unpredictable nature of knockout soccer looms large. Adding to the intrigue, Pachuca pulled off a 3-2 triumph the last time they visited BBVA Stadium — a reminder that anything can happen over 90 minutes.
Here, GOAL brings you everything you need to know about how to watch, including TV channel, streaming details and more.
How to watch Monterrey vs Pachuca online - TV channels & live streams
 | TUDN | Watch here |
 | ViX | Watch here |
In the United States (US), the Liga MX match between Monterrey and Pachuca will be available to watch and stream online live through TUDN and ViX (with Sling TV).
Check out GOAL's Live Match Centre for updates.
How to watch anywhere with VPN
If you are abroad, you may need to use a virtual private network (VPN) in order to watch games using your usual streaming service. A VPN, such as NordVPN, allows you to establish a secure connection online when streaming. If you are not sure which VPN to use, check out GOAL's guide to the best VPNs for streaming sport.
Monterrey vs Pachuca kick-off time
The Liga MX match between Monterrey and Pachuca will be played at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico.
It will kick off at 6:30 pm PT / 9:30 pm ET on Sunday, April 27, 2025, in the US.
Team news & squads
Monterrey vs Pachuca lineups
4-3-3
Formation
4-2-3-1
PACMON-Line up
MONSubstitutes
Manager
M. Demichelis
PAC-Line up
PACSubstitutes
Manager
G. Almada
Injuries and Suspended players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Injuries and Suspensions
- No sidelined players
Monterrey team news
It’s been anything but smooth sailing for Monterrey, a star-studded side that often struggled to shut the door on games. Yet, despite whispers of locker-room drama under Martín Demichelis, the Rayados deserve credit for grinding out three wins in their final four matches to punch their playoff ticket.
Maybe it's the daily influence of heavyweights like Sergio Ramos, Sergio Canales, Lucas Ocampos, Hector Moreno, and Oliver Torres, but this squad has developed a real edge. They're also no slouches when it comes to regaining possession high up the pitch.
All eyes will be fixed on Canales, provided he's fit enough to feature. Initially sidelined after a bizarre injury involving a broken glass door amid rumors of a bust-up with Demichelis, Monterrey later revealed he also picked up a muscle problem that's kept him out of action. Still the team's top contributor with six goals and six assists, Canales' potential return could be a huge boost for the hosts.
Pachuca team news
Under head coach Guillermo Almada, Pachuca once again led Liga MX in minutes handed to players under 24, a nod to the league's rules requiring minimum usage of players born after 2001. But that youth movement came with growing pains, as the Tuzos stumbled to a sluggish finish with a home draw and a 2-1 defeat to Atletico de San Luis in the final week.
Now facing Monterrey in the play-in round, the stage is set for a captivating showdown: some of Mexico's brightest young prospects squaring off against a Monterrey squad loaded with seasoned stars. True to form, Pachuca continues to be a talent factory, consistently unveiling new gems during playoff pushes. This time, keep an eye on Elias Montiel, a 19-year-old midfielder who's racked up 14 appearances in 2025 and looks poised for a breakout moment.
Part of Pachuca's formula for success has always been pairing their up-and-comers with savvy veterans who fully embrace the club's vision. Leading that charge is none other than Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon, whose nine goals and three assists this season have made him a nightmare matchup for any defense he faces.
Form
MON-Form
MONLeon
0
-
2
Monterrey
W
Monterrey
1
-
0
CF America
W
Tigres
2
-
1
Monterrey
L
Monterrey
3
-
1
CD Guadalajara
W
Monterrey
1
-
2
Tijuana
L
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 8/5
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
PAC-Form
PACAtletico de San Luis
2
-
1
Pachuca
L
Pachuca
0
-
0
Tigres
D
Necaxa
3
-
5
Pachuca
W
Pachuca
1
-
0
CF America
W
Toluca
3
-
2
Pachuca
L
- Goal Scored (Conceded)
- 9/8
- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5
Head-to-Head Record
MONLast 5 matches
PAC4
Wins
0
Draws
1
Win
Goals scored
6- Games over 2.5 goals
- 3/5
- Both teams scored
- 3/5