Nicolas Sanchez’s first half goal handed Rayados a tight 1-0 win over rivals Tigres in their CONCACAF Champions League Final first leg.
Diego Alonso’s men defended well and played a smart game, although Tigres’ gameplan became predictable and played into Monterrey’s hand.
Rayados looked the more comfortable early on and gave a warning of what was to come when the Tigres’ defense was almost caught napping following a Miguel Layun free-kick.
Moments later, Dorlan Pabon burst through the right-hand side, with Aviles Hurtado failing to connect properly off his fellow Colombian’s cross.
Tigres then survived another scare when Nahuel Guzman was forced into a save from a Dorlan Pabon effort.