By Alejandro Guzmán
Monterrey came from behind to defeat Inter Miami CF 2-1 on Saturday at Nu Stadium, earning its first victory of the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Inter Miami opened the scoring in the 32nd minute. Rodrigo De Paul collected a pass from Casemiro outside the box and fired a low shot into the bottom-left corner to give the hosts a 1-0 lead. The assist marked Casemiro’s first with Inter Miami.
Monterrey created several opportunities before halftime but could not find an equalizer. Diego Rossi forced a save in the 25th minute, while Hugo Cuypers and Rossi had additional chances later in the half.
Rayados needed only two minutes after the restart to draw level. Rossi’s header was saved, but the rebound fell to Cuypers, who converted from close range in the 47th minute to make it 1-1.
It was Cuypers’ second consecutive match with a goal, with both strikes coming in Leagues Cup play. The Belgian forward now has three goals since joining Monterrey from MLS this semester.
Both teams created opportunities after the equalizer. Inter Miami threatened through Lovens Delinois and Casemiro, while Monterrey continued to generate danger through Rossi and Lucas Ocampos.
The decisive goal arrived in the 90th minute. Ricardo Chávez delivered a cross into the box, where Rossi connected from close range to complete the comeback and give Monterrey a 2-1 advantage.
Rossi’s goal was his second in three matches and secured Rayados’ first Leagues Cup victory of the year. It also meant that two recent MLS arrivals — Rossi and Cuypers — accounted for both of Monterrey’s goals against an MLS opponent.
The result also continued Monterrey’s perfect record in official matches played in Miami. Rayados has now won both of its visits by the same 2-1 scoreline.
Saturday’s matchup marked the third official meeting between the clubs, with Monterrey winning all three.
REACTIONS
- Monterrey Head Coach Matías Almeyda
- “Game by game, we're improving some things, while there are others we still need to correct. But we really value team effort. Everyone is putting in the work, and that will help us grow together”.
PLAYERS OF THE MATCH
- Monterrey's Diego Rossi was named Man of the Match after scoring the game-winning goal in the 90th minute.
GAME NOTES
- Monterrey improved to 7-7 all-time in the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami dropped to 15-4 in the competition.
- Cuypers and Rossi were recently added to boost Rayados offense, they've responded by each scoring twice in their last three games.
- Casemiro recorded his first assist with Inter Miami; for Rodrigo De Paul it was his first goal since May.
- This was the third official meeting between the clubs. Monterrey has won all three. The previous two meetings came in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals, with Monterrey winning both legs.
CARDS/INJURY REPORT
- Yellow Cards:
- Inter Miami: Micael, Rodrigo De Paul, Casemiro, David Ruiz
- Monterrey: Gerardo Arteaga, Lucas Ocampos
- Injury Report:
- Carlos Salcedo left in the 15th minute with an injury and was replaced by Jorge Rodríguez.
LOOKING AHEAD
- Inter Miami: Aug. 12 vs. Club León
- Monterrey: Aug. 12 vs. Nashville
