How did Rayados fare in Liga MX ahead of Inter Miami midweek clash?

The undoubted standout fixture of the 2024 CONCACAF Champions Cup quarterfinals pits Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami side against Liga MX heavyweights Rayados de Monterrey. As of last night, the Nuevo Leon based side were unbeaten in the current 2024 Clausura season and topped the table. Things turned sour however for Fernando Ortiz and his side as they fell at home losing 0-2 to Chivas in matchday 13 of the 2024 Clausura season.

As things stand, there are still doubts about Leo Messi being fit for the clash in South Florida at the Chase Stadium next Wednesday after the Argentine was forced to sit out Saturday’s 1-1 home draw against New York City FC.

At the same time as Inter Miami were held by NYCFC, at the BBVA Stadium, Rayados succumbed at home to Chivas de Guadalajara (0-2), in a match that was conditioned by the red cards awarded to Gerardo Arteaga and Jorge ‘Corcho’ Rodríguez.

How do Rayados de Monterrey play?

Fernando ‘Tano’ Ortíz started the game against the “Sacred Flock” with the likes of Esteban Andrada, Héctor Moreno, Stefan Medina, Luis Romo, Maximiliano Meza and Sergio Canales, players who are currently the backbone of the Monterrey team but Ortiz did rest Brandon Vázquez in the first half.

After recovering from an injury that truncated his first months in Mexico, Sergio Canales is delivering solid performances for Monterrey and the battle in the centre of the park against Sergio Busquets could be instrumental in shaping the outcome of the tie.

Striker Maxi Meza will also be a key piece for Rayados with the 31-year-old the top assist provider in the current Concachampions with four and his effectivity in link up play with Vazquez could dictate if the tie is won or lost for the Liga MX outfit.