Germán Berterame scored the only goal as Monterrey beat Toluca 1-0 in the Liga MX Apertura 2025 semifinal first leg at Estadio BBVA.
Monterrey 1-0 Toluca | Liga MX Apertura 2025 – Semifinal, 1st Leg | December 3, 2025 | Estadio BBVA, Monterrey
Goal: Germán Berterame 39′ (assist: Jesús Corona)
Berterame Does It Again
Germán Berterame continues to deliver when Monterrey need him most. Fresh off his 94th-minute winner against América in the quarterfinals, the Argentine striker rose to meet Jesús Corona’s cross in the 39th minute, planting a header past Hugo González to give Rayados a precious 1-0 lead.
The Estadio BBVA erupted. After months of pain against Toluca, including a 6-2 thrashing in September, Monterrey finally had something to celebrate.
How It Happened
The first half was cagey, both teams showing respect for each other’s quality. Toluca, the Superlíder and defending champions, arrived confident under Antonio Mohamed, returning to his former club. But Monterrey struck first.
Corona collected the ball on the right, beat his marker with a trademark piece of skill, and delivered a pinpoint cross. Berterame timed his run perfectly, rising above the Toluca defense to head home. 1-0 Monterrey at the break.
Toluca Push, Cárdenas Holds Firm
The second half belonged to Toluca, at least in terms of possession and pressure. Los Diablos Rojos pushed forward desperately seeking an away goal.
Jesús Gallardo, the former Monterrey player, fired just wide in the 52nd minute. Five minutes later, Nicolás Castro forced a brilliant save from goalkeeper Luis Cárdenas, who tipped the shot away to preserve Rayados’ clean sheet.
Paulinho, Toluca’s top scorer, couldn’t find the breakthrough. Sergio Ramos marshalled the defense superbly, blocking crosses and organizing his backline through waves of pressure. The Spanish legend held firm.
What It Means
Monterrey take a 1-0 advantage to Toluca for Saturday’s second leg. But the job is only half done. At Estadio Nemesio Diez, 2,667 meters altitude, hostile crowd, a single Toluca goal changes everything. If the second leg ends 1-0 to Toluca, Los Diablos Rojos advance on league position.
Coach Domènec Torrent was clear: “We’ve completed half the journey. Keeping a clean sheet against the best attack in the league is an achievement, but the battle in Toluca will be twice as difficult.”
Lineups
Monterrey (4-4-2): Cárdenas; Chávez, Medina, Ramos (c), Arteaga; Ambriz, O. Torres, Canales, Corona; Fimbres, Berterame. Coach: Domènec Torrent.
Toluca (4-2-3-1): H. González; Barbosa, Briseño, Pereira, Gallardo; Romero, Ruiz; Castro, Helinho, Angulo; Paulinho. Coach: Antonio Mohamed.
What’s Next
Second leg takes place Saturday, December 6 at Estadio Nemesio Diez, Toluca. Monterrey lead 1-0 on aggregate.
