Tano Ortiz: 1-1 draw with America is 'good result for us'

Liga MX giants Club America and CF Monterrey played to a 1-1 draw Saturday night at the Estadio Azteca, which was a return for Rayados boss Fernando 'Tano' Ortiz to his former club.

America's Diego Valdes opened the scoring in the 23rd minute with a perfectly-placed header that was set up by Emilio Lara, but a defensive error by the Eagles saw Sergio Canales equalize from close range just before half-time.

The hostile crowd at the Azteca weren't too happy to see Ortiz back on the touchline with a rival club, and they were sure to let him know how they felt. However, Ortiz wasn't fazed by the boos and instead showed gratitude for his time with America from March 2022 to May of last year, as he departed the club after losing in the playoff semifinals to Chivas.

The 46-year-old also noted that he was grateful to take charge of the best team in the league, which could upset some of his current fans back at the Estadio BBVA.

"I have said it, I am grateful for this institution, it gave me the opportunity to coach in the First Division and the best team in Mexico," Ortiz said after the match in Spanish to TUDN.

"I do not forget the appreciation I have for this institution, I will never go against the fans. I respect it, I am grateful, but nothing will ever come out of my mouth against this institution."

The box score shows that the clash between the giants was a tight one, with the possession split down the middle and the visitors totaling eight shots to the hosts' seven. Ortiz, who scored once in 17 appearances for America as a player, also agreed that the game was a well-contested affair that ended in a fair result.

"[The] reality indicates that it was a tight, beautiful, very intense match, although there were chances for both to win. America dominated the first half, we in the second, we could have won or lost; everything remains the same up there so it's a good result for us," he said.

Rayados, now in first place in the Apertura standings ahead of America on goals scored (nine) with 11 points, return to action against Guatemalan side Comunicaciones FC in the first leg of the knockout stage of the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 6 at Estadio Nacional Mateo Flores.

Ortiz's side resume Liga MX action on February 10 at Estadio BBVA vs sixth-placed Pachuca, looking to stay atop the league table.