'It will be a great experience to face Sergio Ramos, he's a top five defender in history' - Pumas' Pablo Bennevendo confident ahead of Monterrey clash

Pumas will host Rayados this Sunday in Matchday 12 of the Clausura 2025, a game with added buzz as former Real Madrid star Sergio Ramos visits Mexico City.

Wherever Ramos plays, fans turn out in droves, and Mexican supporters are eager to see one of football's most decorated defenders in action.

Pumas' second captain, Pablo Bennevendo, welcomed the challenge of facing the Spanish legend.

"It's a beautiful experience to go up against players of that level," Bennevendo said. "We know his quality and the history he has. I'd put him in my top five defenders. It's amazing - you see him on TV one day, and the next, you're facing him. But beyond that, I see him as a rival and an opponent. I will give my all to come out on top in this match."

This will be the second time Ramos visits the Estadio Olímpico Universitario. The Spanish defender was present in the match where Rayados and Cruz Azul drew 1-1, even scoring his team's goal. Martín Demichelis' squad is coming off an elimination in the Round of 16 of the Champions Cup at the hands of Whitecaps, so they will be looking to get back on the winning track against Pumas.

"I don't know if we will arrive as favorites or not, but we go with the intention of winning the match, as we always have," Pablo Bennevendo said. "As I mentioned before, Monterrey has a good squad and quality players. We expect a Monterrey that is coming for everything."

Pumas is on a negative streak of eight matches without defeating Rayados in all competitions. The last time the Auriazules managed to beat Monterrey was in the Clausura 2022 with a 2-0 victory.