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Monterrey crushed Atlético de San Luis 5-1 (6-3 on aggregate) to become the first finalist of the Apertura 2024. With a brace from Óliver Torres and an outstanding team performance, Rayados will now aim for their sixth league title after five years. Monterrey Dominates the Semifinal In the second leg of the semifinal between Rayados de Monterrey and Atlético de San Luis, the home side made their home-field advantage count by delivering a resounding 5-1 victory, overturning the 1-2 deficit from the first leg and securing their place in the Apertura 2024 final. The action at Estadio BBVA started with high intensity, both teams creating dangerous chances. Monterrey pushed to overturn the first-leg deficit, while San Luis sought to score and take control of the tie. Monterrey Strikes First After an intense yet scoreless first half, the game burst into life in the second 45 minutes. In the 47th minute, Óliver Torres fired a powerful shot to the near post following a rebound, leaving goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez helpless despite his previous heroic saves. In the 52nd minute, Rayados doubled their lead. After a powerful shot from Canales, Sánchez managed to save it but left the ball loose, allowing Germán Berterame to capitalize and tap it into the net. A Penalty Sparks Hope for San Luis In the 68th minute, a foul by Héctor Moreno on Vitinho inside the box led to a VAR review, resulting in a penalty for San Luis. Sébastien Salles-Lamonge stepped up and converted confidently, making it 2-1 in the match and 3-3 on aggregate. Monterrey Seals the Game in 10 Minutes Monterrey responded emphatically in the 82nd minute. A corner kick reached Daniel Guillén at the far post, where he headed the ball across the goal to make it 3-1. Just three minutes later, at the 85th minute, Óliver Torres struck again. After another defensive clearance, Torres smashed a first-time shot into the top corner for a stunning goal. At the 90th minute, Brandon Vázquez delivered the final blow. Receiving the ball near the penalty box, Vázquez struck a powerful shot that Sánchez failed to handle, sealing the 5-1 victory in the match and 6-3 on aggregate. Monterrey Eyes Their Sixth Title With this win, Monterrey advances to their first final in five years, since winning their fifth league title in the Apertura 2019. Rayados now await their opponent, which will be decided today in the second leg between Cruz Azul and América. Images: X (@Rayados) and X (@WeAreRayados)

In his first full season with Inter Miami, Argentine star Lionel Messi was awarded the MVP of the 2024 MLS Season. Despite not being present in 15 of the 36 matches played by his team, the “Pulga” contributed in 36 goals, 20 of which he scored and 16 assists. Messi surpassed Columbus Crew’s Cucho Hernández in the votes of players, coaches and members of the press to become the tenth Latin American to be awarded this prize and the first Inter Miami player to be MVP. You may be interested in: Unheard of! Riqui Puig played more than 30 minutes injured with LA Galaxy Image: X (@adidasfootball)

In an exciting showdown, Al-Ittihad defeated Al-Nassr 2-1. Both Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo scored for their respective teams, but a decisive goal from Steven Bergwijn in the 90th minute sealed the victory for Al-Ittihad, cementing their position as leaders of the Saudi Pro League. A Clash of Former Teammates The match at King Abdullah Sports City brought together former Real Madrid stars Benzema and Ronaldo in a thrilling encounter. While both players showcased their scoring prowess, it was Al-Ittihad who emerged victorious in a tightly contested battle. A Stalemate First Half The game began with a cautious approach from both sides, marked by limited chances and intense midfield duels. While physicality played a role in disrupting rhythm, neither team managed to capitalize on early opportunities, leading to a scoreless first half. Benzema Breaks the Deadlock The second half saw a spark of brilliance from Karim Benzema. In the 55th minute, Muhannad Al Shanqeeti delivered a pinpoint cross from the right flank. Unmarked, Benzema calmly slotted the ball past the keeper, giving Al-Ittihad a 1-0 lead. Cristiano Responds Quickly Al-Nassr wasted no time leveling the score. Just two minutes later, in the 57th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo seized the moment. After a deflected attempt by Angelo, the Brazilian recovered the ball and sent in a precise cut-back pass. Ronaldo, arriving with perfect timing, unleashed a powerful strike that found the back of the net, tying the game at 1-1. Bergwijn’s Late Heroics As both teams pushed for a winner, it was Steven Bergwijn who delivered in the dying moments. In the 90th minute, the Dutch winger danced into the penalty area, cut inside to his stronger right foot, and curled a stunning shot into the far corner, out of the goalkeeper’s reach. The goal secured a dramatic 2-1 victory for Al-Ittihad. With this win, Al-Ittihad climbed to the top of the Saudi Pro League standings with 36 points. Meanwhile, Al-Nassr fell to fourth place, trailing by 11 points, making their title ambitions increasingly difficult. Images: X (@ittihad) and X (@ittihad_en)