Liga MX Monterrey and Charlotte FC will play a crucial group-stage match in the current 2025 Leagues Cup at Bank of America Stadium, an MLS site. A heated duel is eagerly anticipated because this is a crucial match for both teams in the competition, and a knockout stage berth is on the line.

Monterrey enter their final group-stage game in a must-win situation. After losing to FC Cincinnati 3-2 in their opener and drawing 1-1 with the New York Red Bulls (winning the shootout for two points), Rayados need all three points to secure passage to the knockout stage.

Despite the mixed results in the Leagues Cup, Monterrey have shown signs of promise under new head coach Domènec Torrent. They reached the Apertura final last season, moving on to start the 2025 Liga MX with two wins out of three games.

The midfield and defense are still issues that require attention. The side has given away a goal in each of its last four matches and has managed just one clean sheet in its six. With key players like Sergio Canales and German Berterame leading the front, and Lucas Ocampos and Tecatito Corona offering wide options, Rayados remain a formidable side.

• Injuries: Carlos Salcedo and Esteban Andrada are unavailable due to injuries.

Charlotte FC arrived at the Leagues Cup in strong MLS form, riding a four-game winning streak. But their defensive issues have been exposed in the tournament. The Crown suffered a heavy 4-1 loss to FC Juárez in their opener and then drew 2-2 with Chivas Guadalajara before losing in penalties.

Sitting 15th in the standings and with only one point, Charlotte’s path to the next round is narrow. Nevertheless, playing at home could give them a psychological boost. Offensively, they’ve managed to score in each match, with players like Wilfried Zaha, Kerwin Vargas, and Pep Biel proving potent.

• Injuries: Souleyman Doumbia is ruled out.

This will be the first-ever competitive meeting between Monterrey and Charlotte FC.

The 26-year-old Mexican striker has been central to Rayados’ attack. Although he didn’t score against the Red Bulls, Berterame provided an assist and consistently creates chances.

The Colombian forward has been in form for Charlotte, finding the net in the previous game. Vargas’ movement and creativity in the final third could cause headaches for the Monterrey defense.

The Spanish midfield maestro continues to create the plays for Monterrey. With his wide array of passes, his shots from a distance, and his calmness under pressure, Canales forms his own central part of the system.

Biel is the team's top scorer this season and is vital to the offense. His ability to break down defenses and his lethal finishing make him a threat every single time he gets the ball.

Cárdenas (GK); Guzman, Ramos, Medina; Chavez, Rodríguez, Torres, Reyes; Canales, Ocampos; Berterame

Bingham (GK); Tuiloma, Privett, Ream, Marshall-Rutty; Bronico, Diani; Vargas, Biel, Abada; Zaha

The defense of Charlotte has been permeable, looking vulnerable when pressed. Monterrey surely would take this one with its deeper squad and much more urgency than Charlotte. A tight contest is expected with goals from both sides.

Statistically, Monterrey tend to strike early in their home matches. Charlotte, on the other hand, concedes early but often responds. Expect Monterrey to dominate the first half with a possible 1-0 lead going into the break.

Prediction: Monterrey to score in the first half 

While both teams have shown intent to attack, Monterrey has better makeup and depth. In defense, Charlotte is leaky; this could cost them a win, even with the home advantage. Rayados know all about what is at stake and should see the progression with a tight, albeit well-deserved, win.

• Prediction: Monterrey 2-1 Charlotte FC