The Liga MX quarterfinals got underway on Wednesday, and it all kicked off with the Clasico Regio. Monterrey stunned rivals Tigres with a 3-1 win at the Estadio Universitario to take control of their Liguilla quarterfinal tie.
Despite dominating possession, there were early hints this would not be a straightforward night for the hosts when, 16 minutes in and against the run of play, Carlos Sanchez slotted home when he collected an Edwin Cardona pass following a throw-win.
But Tigres equalized almost immediately when Rafael Sobis placed an effort at Jonathan Orozco's left post for the 1-1.
Monterrey were a threat on the counter, and 20 minuets later it was 2-1, Dorlan Pabon made himself space to shoot from the edge of the box to put Monterrey back in front.
Ricardo "Tuca" Ferreti's side pushed for an equalizer after the interval, but Orozco was at his best, denying Tigres' attackers on at least two clear-cut opportunities.
While Tigres flooded men forward, Edgar Castillo threaded a pass for Rogelio Funes-Mori on a breakaway. The Argentine didn't think twice before finishing behind Nahuel Guzman and sealing the 3-1 win for Rayados.
Both sides will meet again on Saturday at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer, where Tigres will need to score three times to have any chance of progressing to the semifinals.
Meanwhile,Leon hit home a vital away goal to earn a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Liga MX quarterfinal against Monarcas Morelia.
It took 50 minutes for the game's first goal as Jose Juan "Gallito" Vazquez's deflected through ball found its way to Luis Montes, who slammed home from close range to put La Fiera in front.
But Monarcas Morelia soon had their equalizer. Eisner Loboa executed what looked like an easy shot to gather. Leon goalkeeper William Yarbrough failed to hold on the the ball, and Cristian Pellerano seized on the rebound to level the score.
The goal took the sting out of the game for both sides, and Leon saw out the rest of the game to give themselves the edge into Saturday's return leg.