By Jamini DDFG January 17, 2026 | 00:37 ET
MAZATLÁN, MEX — In a display of pure offensive dominance, Monterrey’s Rayados dismantled Mazatlán FC with a resounding 5-1 victory at El Encanto stadium. The Matchday 3 encounter of the Clausura 2026 season was headlined by a historic moment for French superstar Anthony Martial, who finally found the back of the net for his first Liga MX goal since arriving in Mexico.
The victory, fueled by goals from Jesús “Tecatito” Corona, Jorge “Corcho” Rodríguez, Martial, Germán Berterame, and Iker Fimbres, propels Rayados into the upper echelon of the league table while leaving the Cañoneros anchored to the bottom.
A Lightning Start for the Visitors
Under the guidance of manager Domènec Torrent, Monterrey entered the match with a clear strategic directive: high-intensity pressing and clinical finishing. It took only eight minutes for that plan to bear fruit.
Jesús “Tecatito” Corona silenced the local crowd early with a perfectly timed header. Following a pinpoint cross from the left wing, Corona rose above the Mazatlán defense to flick the ball into the corner of the net, marking the 1-0 and setting the tone for the evening.
Mazatlán, led by Christian Ramírez, attempted to mount a response through the pace of Yoel Bárcenas and the physical presence of Fabio Gomes. However, the gap in technical quality between the two squads became apparent as the first half progressed. In the 21st minute, Jorge “Corcho” Rodríguez doubled the lead with a spectacular long-range effort. Finding space at the edge of the area, the Argentine midfielder unleashed a powerful strike that left goalkeeper Ricardo Rodríguez with no chance.
Martial Breaks the Curse
The highlight of the night arrived in the 25th minute. Anthony Martial, who had faced scrutiny since his high-profile arrival in the Apertura 2025 for his lack of clinical finishing, was presented with a golden opportunity from the penalty spot.
The Frenchman stepped up with the weight of expectation on his shoulders. While Ricardo Rodríguez managed to parry the initial spot-kick, the rebound fell kindly to Martial. Showing the predatory instincts that once made him a fan favorite at Manchester United, he pounced on the loose ball to slot it home for his first goal in Mexican football.
The celebration was one of visible relief. For Martial, this goal represents the breaking of a “curse” that had lasted through several months of frustration. With the score at 3-0 before the half-hour mark, the match was effectively over as a contest.
Second-Half Surge and Late Consolation
The second half mirrored the first, with Monterrey controlling the tempo and Mazatlán struggling to retain possession. Germán Berterame added a fourth in the 55th minute, finishing a fluid team move that showcased Rayados’ depth and chemistry. Ten minutes later, homegrown talent Iker Fimbres put the final nail in the coffin, making it 5-0 with a composed finish inside the box.
Mazatlán did manage to give their loyal fans a small reason to cheer in the 85th minute. Jordan Sierra broke through the Monterrey lines to score a consolation goal, ending the clean sheet for Luis Cárdenas but doing little to dampen the spirits of the traveling Monterrey faithful.
Statistical Overview and Historical Dominance
Monterrey’s victory at El Encanto is not an isolated incident; it extends a period of significant hegemony over the Sinaloa-based club.
| Metric | Details |
| Score | Mazatlán 1 – 5 Monterrey |
| Venue | El Encanto Stadium, Mazatlán |
| H2H Record | 4 wins for Rayados at El Encanto (6 total meetings) |
| Next Match | Monterrey vs. Tijuana |
| Mazatlán Form | 0 points in Clausura 2026 (3 losses) |
The “Heroes” in the Stands
Despite the lopsided scoreline, the local fans earned the “hero” tag of the match. With rumors swirling about the franchise’s potential relocation or sale to Atlante by the Apertura 2026, the Mazatlán supporters remained in their seats until the final whistle, showing a level of loyalty that stood in stark contrast to the team’s performance on the pitch.
What’s Next?
The Liga MX will now enter a brief hiatus, allowing teams to regroup before the fourth round of fixtures.
- For Mazatlán: The situation is dire. Sitting at the bottom of the table with zero points after losses to Juárez, Puebla, and now Monterrey, Christian Ramírez has a mountain to climb. They will look to secure their first points on January 31 when they visit Atlas.
- For Monterrey: Rayados are flying high. The integration of Martial and new signing Luca Orellano suggests that the team is peaking at the right time. They will host Xolos de Tijuana in Matchday 4, looking to cement their status as title favorites.