The Rayados de Monterrey defeated Inter Miami 3-1 and for Fernando “Tano” Ortiz it was the most important game in his career. The coach qualified for the semifinals of the Concacaf Champions Cup.
Ortiz pointed out that it could also have been the most important game for the Monterrey players to face Lionel Messi.
“On my part, yes (it is the most important game of my career); I think on the part of the boys, too.. Facing Lionel, not only a world champion, but for what he means to this sport, was exciting. I am satisfied; We had to eliminate Inter, but I still think that the best is yet to come,” he said.
The Rayados de Monterrey defeated Messi’s Inter 3-1 and won the quarterfinal series 5-2 of the Champions Cup, on a night in which the best footballer in the world was one more on the field.
The duel was surrounded by an atmosphere of rivalry because Messi and other Inter figures had strongly complained to Ortiz for some statements prior to the first leg of the quarterfinal series; However, Ortiz did not give color to the differences and praised ‘Leo’.
“I said it and I will reiterate it again, For me he is the best player in the history of this sport, I still support him and I also started saying the things I said, I never wanted to offend anyone or disrespect anyone, I simply gave my opinion. On my part, he will have respect for life,” added the strategist.
The Rayados de Monterrey will have to face Columbus Crew in the next phase, a team that has just eliminated Tigres.
Fernando Ortiz is already thinking about Tigres
Tigres and Rayados will face each other this Saturday in the Clásico Regioa duel that can define the lead of the Liga MX championship.
‘Tano’ Ortiz highlighted the intensity, intelligence, sacrifice and camaraderie of his team and confessed to having other adjectives to describe his players in the best way.
“There is satisfaction in being able to release the series, but I am already thinking about Tigres. “We are one step away from an important match like the classic,” concluded in reference to the royal derby of Mexican soccer in which Monterrey will host its bitterest rival, Tigres UANL, next Saturday in the Clausura tournament of Mexican soccer.
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