With the eyes of the world on the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, Sergio Ramos and Monterrey silenced their doubters in emphatic fashion, sealing a spot in the Round of 16 with a commanding 4-0 victory over Urawa Red Diamonds. The result not only earned Rayados second place in Group E but also booked them a high-stakes clash with Borussia Dortmund in Atlanta next week.
In the aftermath, Ramos sent a pointed three-word message to the team’s critics—a declaration that quickly went viral and echoed across soccer circles.
Played at the iconic Rose Bowl, the match was a showcase of Mexican brilliance. After a nervy start that saw Urawa miss an early chance, Monterrey took control with three goals in eight minutes before halftime.
Nelson Deossa opened the scoring in spectacular fashion, unleashing a swerving rocket from midfield that left the goalkeeper stranded. Moments later, Germán Berterame doubled the lead, finishing calmly after Alfonso Alvarado’s clever assist. Then came Jesús “Tecatito” Corona, who fired home from 30 yards to cap a dazzling half.
Urawa’s defense never recovered. Monterrey missed chances to extend the lead in the second half, but Berterame eventually made it 4-0 with a close-range finish in stoppage time. It was an authoritative performance by a team many had written off, especially after a taxing group stage.
What did Sergio Ramos say?
Following the win, Sergio Ramos, who has played every minute of the tournament and even scored, spoke about the moment’s significance—not just for the team, but for the club’s legacy.
“This is a hugely important step for us. Expectations were high, and many doubted Rayados could advance. We stayed disciplined—pressing high, winning possession in the opponent’s half, and capitalizing on our chances,” Ramos told DAZN. “It’s a historic moment for the club.”
Those three words—”People didn’t believe”—quickly went viral, striking a chord with fans who have followed the defender’s journey from Real Madrid to Paris and now to Monterrey
“I’m proud to be part of this project. In just a few months since joining, I’ve given my best here against the world’s top teams. Now, the Round of 16 is essentially a final,” Ramos added. “We got the result we wanted, and now the real challenge begins.”
With six teams from the Americas having advanced—Botafogo, Flamengo, Fluminense, Inter Miami, Monterrey, and Palmeiras—Rayados stand proud among the continent’s best.
Their next challenge will be German giants Borussia Dortmund in Atlanta, a match that Ramos called “essentially a final.” It promises to test every ounce of Monterrey’s resolve, but with a World Cup-winning captain leading the way, belief is rising in northern Mexico.
