Matías Almeyda Respects América and Calls Rayados’ Opponent “Mexico’s Best Team”

Matías Almeyda has described América as “the best team in the tournament” before Monterrey face them in a Leagues Cup semifinal that has the feel of an early final.

For the first time under the competition’s current format, both semifinals feature Liga MX teams. Monterrey’s reward is a meeting with the leaders of the Apertura 2026 tournament, a challenge Almeyda knows well after his time coaching Chivas.

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They are the best team in the tournament.

The Argentine coach said Monterrey would have to produce a perfect performance. América’s record, he noted, reflects more than points and statistics: the team has not lost, plays aggressively without the ball, keeps its shape and shows discipline from the goalkeeper through the final line.

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By the way the tournament stands today, we are facing the best team. They show they are the best through numbers, some statistics, points and victories, because they have not lost, but that is not a coincidence.

“By the way the tournament stands today, we are facing the best team,” Almeyda said. “They show they are the best through numbers, some statistics, points and victories, because they have not lost, but that is not a coincidence.”

Monterrey are not approaching the semifinal without belief. Almeyda said his team had beaten the first-, second- and third-ranked MLS teams while playing on equal terms. Lucas Ocampos added that the occasion had motivated the squad because they are two matches away from lifting a title.

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We are motivated by the kind of match it is and the stage we are at. We are two matches away from being able to lift a title, and that is what I want and desire most for myself and for the club.