Tano Ortiz highlights CF Monterrey's 'noticeable' 3-2 triumph over Pachuca

CF Monterrey toppled Pachuca 3-2 in a top-of-the-table Liga MX clash Saturday night at the Estadio BBVA, with Rayados boss Fernando 'Tano' Ortiz content with how his team performed.

Rayados stormed out to an early 1-0 lead thanks to a first-time hit from Jesus Gallardo, who was playing in a more advanced role on the left-wing rather than his usual left-back position. Ortiz's side doubled their lead five minutes later, as a well-worked team move with several one-touch passes saw Sergio Canales play Jordi Cortizo through on goal, and he made no mistake from close range.

Just three minutes after the second half restart, German Berterame's long-range stunner put the hosts up 3-0 and in first place in the Clausura standings. However, the last 10 minutes of the contest got a little tricky for Monterrey.

The visitors scored twice within the final moments to make it 3-2 thanks to strikes from Oussama Idrissi and Nelson Deossa, bringing worry to the Rayados fans still in attendance. However, Ortiz remained happy with the performance and wants his team to play in a similar fashion in the future (without the conceded goals late on).

"The boys managed to play a nice football game. For me there were also other games where they also played a good game," said Oritz. "Perhaps this one was more noticeable because it is the team that we really want and work to make it visible. Then, obviously that 3-2 that ends does not leave us satisfied, but let the result not pay because we saw a really good team against a great rival in the game that the two played."

Ortiz was happy with how his attack looked without one of the club's recent additions, Brandon Vazquez.

Vazquez, who's scored three goals in his first five appearances for Monterrey, missed the clash vs Pachuca due to the birth of his first child.

"Happy that the forwards find the goal. I maintain and I will always repeat it, every time these types of questions happen. It doesn't matter what name is on the playing field, but rather how the team works. All three in this case have responded. They will have these days to rest, compete and on Thursday put their best on the field," said Ortiz.

Monterrey, now in first place in the Clausura standings alongside Club America with 14 points from six games played on a plus-seven goal differential, return to action on Wednesday in the Concacaf Champions Cup for their second leg clash against Comunicaciones already up 4-1 in the tie.