Monterrey claim Copa MX glory with victory over Pachuca

Monterrey claimed at least one trophy this Apertura as the Rayados conquered the 2017 Copa MX Apertura with a 1-0 win over Pachuca on Thursday.

Having lost a historic Liga MX Final against rivals Tigres just a few weeks ago, Antonio “Turco” Mohamed’s men arrived to this game with something prove, facing a Pachuca side fresh off a third place finish at the 2017 Club World Cup.

The hosts took no time in taking control of the proceedings, with Aviles Hurtado forcing a good save from Pachuca goalkeeper Alfonso Blanco.

The breakthrough almost arrived midway through the first half when a Keisuke Honda corner presented Franco Jara with an open net opportunity, but the Argentine failed to convert from close range.

The opener, though, eventually came early in the second half when a through ball from Carlos Sanchez found Aviles Hurtado inside the box, and the Colombian forward made no mistake from close range to fire Monterrey into the lead.

As expected, Pachuca started to enjoy forays forward and came closest to leveling it when a deflected Keisuke Honda cross brought the best out of Juan Pablo Carrizo.

Despite Pachuca’s protestations, Monterrey saw out the game to record their second ever Copa MX title.