Monterrey's Sergio Ramos ruled out with injury for first leg of Liga MX Liguilla quarterfinals vs. Toluca

The 2025 Clausura Liguilla officially kicks off tonight, with top-seeded Toluca set to visit Monterrey in the opening match of the quarterfinals. While Toluca enters the postseason after an 18-day break, Monterrey arrives with a sharper edge, having just battled through the Play-In round. However, the Rayados will once again be without their marquee signing and team captain, Sergio Ramos.

The Spanish defender has now been ruled out for a third-straight game due to a lingering injury suffered in Matchday 17 against León, where he was forced off the pitch in the 75th minute. Ramos missed both Play-In matches—against Pachuca and Pumas—and has not seen action in over three weeks. Hopes that he might return for the quarterfinal opener were dashed after he trained separately from the squad on both Monday and Tuesday, according to ESPN. Although he did light ball work at the El Barrial training ground, Ramos left the facility before midday on Tuesday, confirming his continued recovery.

Ramos, who arrived in Monterrey during Matchday 6 as one of the most high-profile signings in Liga MX history, has only managed to feature in eight of 14 regular season matches. His presence has been noticeably impactful-Monterrey lost three of the four regular season games he missed. His absence was particularly felt during a mid-season slump that complicated the club’s path to the postseason.

Despite his unavailability, Rayados have shown resilience. Though they fell to Pachuca in the first Play-In match, they bounced back with a win over Pumas to secure their place in the quarterfinals. But once again, they will have to face one of the league’s toughest opponents without their defensive leader.

Now facing a Toluca side that topped the league table, Monterrey will need to rely on squad depth and momentum to overcome this challenge—and hope that Ramos recovers in time for the second leg.

Although Ramos has missed several matches due to injury, his influence hasn’t diminished. Monterrey full-back Ricardo Chávez spoke highly of the Spanish defender’s leadership since joining the team earlier this season.

"If you think he looks like a professional and a leader from the outside, just imagine what it’s like up close. It’s incredible," Chávez said. "He’s always looking out for himself and his teammates. It’s extremely motivating to have him around. Whether he’s fit or not is up to him and the coaching staff, but his presence alone adds a lot to the group."

Ramos, sidelined since Matchday 17, has continued to be involved with the squad off the pitch, providing guidance and support as Monterrey navigates the Liguilla without their captain on the field.

Monterrey manager Martín Demichelis will be forced to watch Monterrey’s quarterfinal first leg from the stands after being sent off during the Play-In clash against Pumas. The Argentine manager was involved in a heated exchange with Pumas head coach Efraín Juárez at the end of the match, leading to red cards for both.

As a result, assistant coach Sebastián Grazzini will take charge of Monterrey on the sidelines for tonight’s crucial match.