Monterrey’s secret weapon in the Clásico Regio: Sergio Canales

When Sergio Canales joined Monterrey in July 2023, few imagined how quickly he would become the team’s heartbeat. His arrival from Europe gave Rayados a new leader for the big games – and the Clásico Regio has been his personal stage. Whenever Canales plays against Tigres, Monterrey simply doesn’t lose.

His first start came in the Leagues Cup that same summer, fittingly against Tigres. Late in the match at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston, Canales stepped up to take a penalty against Nahuel Guzmán. The Spaniard’s calm strike found the back of the net, sending the Monterrey fans into wild celebration under the Texas night. That goal marked not just a victory, but the start of a new chapter in the derby’s modern history.

A leader forged in the Clásico

Since then, Canales has been instrumental in shaping Monterrey’s resurgence. Alongside later arrivals like Sergio Ramos, Lucas Ocampos, and Óliver Torres, he has helped define the club’s European-influenced identity. In Clásicos, his record speaks for itself: six appearances, four wins, two draws, and three goals – plus two assists.

When he’s missing, the story changes. Rayados have lost all three derbies he’s missed, whether official or friendly. The first was during the 2023 Apertura, when he played despite fitness issues and was subbed off before Monterrey’s 3–0 defeat. He then missed a friendly that October due to injury (a 2–1 loss) and sat out the 2025 Clausura edition with a leg wound – another 2–1 defeat.

The numbers behind the streak

Monterrey’s record with Canales in Clásicos:

• Monterrey 1–0 Tigres, Leagues Cup 2023 (goal)
• Tigres 3–0 Monterrey, Apertura 2023 (subbed off injured)
• Monterrey 1–2 Tigres, friendly (missed – injury)
• Monterrey 3–3 Tigres, Clausura 2024 (two assists)
• Tigres 1–2 Monterrey, CFI Clausura 2024 (goal)
• Monterrey 1–1 Tigres, CFV Clausura 2024
• Monterrey 2–1 Tigres, friendly
• Monterrey 4–2 Tigres, Apertura 2024 (goal)
• Tigres 2–1 Monterrey, Clausura 2025 (missed – injury)

Now, with another derby approaching, all signs suggest Canales will be back on the pitch – ready to extend his unbeaten run and reinforce his status as the difference-maker whenever Rayados face Tigres.

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