The Week of the Clásico Regio: Monterrey Divided, but United by Passion | OneFootball

There’s something special in the air this week, that mix of excitement, nerves, and endless football talk that can only mean one thing: it’s the Clásico Regio.

If you live in Monterrey, you know what I’m talking about. This isn’t just a game; it’s the game. It’s what everyone’s talking about at school, at work, around the dinner table, and even after mass on Sunday. No one can escape it. By Friday, the city will be painted in blue and gold stripes, with half the people cheering for Monterrey and the other half (like me) proudly wearing Tigres yellow.

And that’s what makes this rivalry so unique — we’re all mixed together. Everyone has that one relative, friend, or co-worker who supports the other side. In my case, my in-laws are die-hard Rayados. They never miss a chance to remind me about 1996, when Monterrey’s win sent Tigres down to the second division. They brag about having more Liguilla victories, more CONCACAF Champions League titles, and more Club World Cup appearances. And to be fair, they’re not wrong. Monterrey has been an international powerhouse.

But then comes my favorite part of every debate: when I remind them of that night in 2017.

Tigres fans will never forget the 2017 Apertura Final, the night we lifted the trophy en tu casa y con tu gente (at your house and with your people). Winning a championship is always special, but doing it inside Monterrey’s own stadium? That’s the kind of memory that becomes part of your identity as a fan. Every time we chant those words at the Estadio Universitario, it’s like reliving that moment all over again.

We also like to point out that Tigres have more Liga MX titles than Monterrey, proof that the golden era of Tigres has truly left its mark on Mexican football. And while we’ve only been to one Club World Cup, we made it count — reaching the final against none other than Bayern Munich. That’s something no other Mexican club can say.

What’s amazing is how much this rivalry has grown. Back in the ’90s, the Clásico Regio was just about who ruled the city. It was more local pride than anything else. But in the last 15 years, things have changed dramatically. Tigres and Monterrey have become true contenders — not just in Mexico, but across the region. They’ve faced each other in Liguilla matches, Liga MX finals, and even CONCACAF finals. The Clásico Regio is no longer just a local derby; it’s a national event.

The stats show just how close it’s been over the years: out of 117 official league meetings, Tigres has won 43, Monterrey 39, and 35 have ended in draws. Even right now, the two teams are near the top of the table. Tigres currently sit in second place and Rayados in fifth. It’s another sign that this rivalry is as balanced and intense as ever.

Of course, what comes after the game is almost as important as the game itself: la carrilla. That’s Monterrey’s signature brand of teasing. The winning side gets to celebrate loudly, while the losing side has to endure the jokes, memes, and “friendly” reminders for the next week (or month, depending on how bad the loss was). It’s all part of the fun; most of the time, anyway.

Because at the end of the day, that’s what this should be: fun. The Clásico Regio is a celebration of passion, pride, and the city we all love. Unfortunately, there have been moments in the past where things have gone too far, and that’s something none of us want to see again. Rivalry should never turn into violence.

This weekend, Monterrey will stop for ninety minutes. Every cheer, every chant, every heart will beat in unison — even if we’re divided by colors. Whether you wear yellow or blue, we all share one thing: the love for football and the city that lives it like no other.

Game Details

The match will be broadcast in the U.S. on TUDN and Univision (en Español).Coverage starts at 9:00pm ET; kickoff is at 9:05pm ET.