Rayados Face Forge FC in Concachampions Opener Amid Key Absence

MONTERREY, Mexico — Monterrey‘s Rayados, under the guidance of coach Martín Demichelis, kicked off their 2025 Concachampions campaign with a crucial match against Canada’s Forge FC on Wednesday. The team aims to secure their seventh title in the competition, tying América as the most successful club in the tournament’s history.

Rayados enter the match following a 1-0 victory over Necaxa in Liga MX, ending a four-game winless streak in the Clausura 2025. However, they will face Forge FC without midfielder Víctor Guzmán, who is sidelined due to a muscle injury. “We start Concachampions with the expectation of taking this club where it deserves to be,” Demichelis said in a press conference. “We have six matches ahead, and we are traveling with great responsibility. The team is not yet defined for tomorrow, but except for Víctor, everyone is traveling.”

Demichelis acknowledged the challenges posed by Forge FC, a relatively young club founded in 2017. “We are still in a growth process,” he said. “They are a dynamic team tactically, with a focus on passing and possession. The most important thing is what we do ourselves—repeat good plays, keep the ball as much as possible.” The match will be played on artificial turf in colder conditions, which Demichelis believes will not hinder his team’s performance.

Meanwhile, striker Germán Berterame expressed relief after scoring in the recent Liga MX match, his first goal in several games. “As a forward, scoring is always a relief,” Berterame said. “But it’s also about daily work, patience, and contributing to the team. The goal will come naturally.” He emphasized the importance of teamwork and confidence among the players.

Forge FC, making only their second appearance in the Concachampions, will look to pull off an upset after being eliminated by Chivas de Guadalajara last year. Coach Bobby Smyrniotis will rely on his team’s tactical discipline and home advantage to challenge the Mexican giants.

Rayados’ journey in the tournament is closely watched as they seek to reclaim their dominance in North American club football. The match against Forge FC marks the beginning of a demanding schedule, with six games in quick succession, including a Liga MX clash against Juárez.