Valencia Stuns Monterrey Late as Necaxa Win 2-1

Necaxa snatched a 2-1 victory over Monterrey deep into stoppage time in a Liga MX Apertura second-round thriller that saw tempers flare, a red card, and a penalty drama before Javier Valencia’s last-gasp heroics.

Necaxa Ride the Storm After Monterrey’s Red Mist

The Estadio Victoria erupted after just 20 minutes when Monterrey’s Stefan Medina saw red for a reckless challenge, reducing the visitors to 10 men. Necaxa’s Ricardo Monreal and Lorenzo Faravelli both picked up first-half yellows as Martin Varini’s side probed against Monterrey’s compact defensive shape. By halftime, Necaxa had fired seven shots but found Monterrey keeper Luis Cárdenas in inspired form.

Carranza Breaks Deadlock Before Ocampos Penalty Drama

The breakthrough came in the 56th minute when Julián Carranza latched onto Francisco Méndez’s through ball to slot past Cárdenas. But Monterrey responded instantly – Lucas Ocampos converting a 67th-minute penalty after a VAR-reviewed handball. Matias Almeyda’s men, despite being outshot 18-6, somehow clung on through waves of Necaxa pressure.

Valencia Writes the Last Chapter

Just when Monterrey thought they’d escaped with a point, substitute Mário Zaleta’s 91st-minute cross found Valencia unmarked at the far post. The striker’s emphatic finish sent the home crowd into delirium, capping a dominant display where Necaxa enjoyed 65% possession and forced nine saves. Monterrey’s discipline collapsed late with Carlos Salcedo and Ricardo Chávez both booked in frantic final minutes.

What This Means for Both Sides

For Necaxa, this last-gasp victory injects belief after their opening-round draw, proving they can grind out results against Liga MX’s elite. Monterrey’s early red card proved decisive – their 35% possession and mere six shots highlighting how Medina’s dismissal changed the game’s complexion. Both sides face crucial fixtures next week: Necaxa traveling to Tigres while Monterrey host Atlas, where Almeyda must address his side’s disciplinary issues after two yellows and a red in this fiery encounter.

Key Moments

20′ 🟥 Monterrey — S. Medina sent off

56′ ⚽ Necaxa — J. Carranza (assist: F. Mendez)

67′ ⚽ Monterrey — L. Ocampos

90+1′ ⚽ Necaxa — J. Valencia (assist: M. Zaleta)

🔮 Before kick-off: our match preview & prediction.