Finally, Rayados de Monterrey broke the curse and became the first Mexican team to defeat a Japanese side at the Club World Cup.

After several matches and disappointing losses against Japanese clubs in the tournament, La Pandilla finally ended the streak on Wednesday night with a resounding 4-0 win over Urawa Red Diamonds in the final matchday of Group E at the Club World Cup being held in the United States.

With goals from Nelson Deossa, a brace by Germán Berterame, and another by Jesús Manuel “Tecatito” Corona, Monterrey sealed second place in Group E, behind only Inter Milan, the European runners-up, who beat River Plate 2-0.

The 17-Year Curse That Haunted Mexican Clubs

Clashes between Mexican and Japanese teams have become a recurring theme at the Club World Cup. Since 2008, Liga MX clubs have often found themselves up against teams from the Land of the Rising Sun.

The first such meeting came in 2008, when Pachuca, then CONCACAF champions, were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Gamba Osaka by a single goal. That match also came with the added difficulty of playing in Japan, giving the home side an edge.

By 2011, Rayados made their first Club World Cup appearance, again hosted in Japan, arriving with high hopes. Monterrey faced Kashiwa Reysol in the quarterfinals, but after a draw in regular time, they fell 4-3 on penalties to the Japanese hosts.

It wasn’t until 2018 that another Mexican side faced Japanese opposition in the tournament. That year, Chivas de Guadalajara went up against Kashima Antlers, who came from behind to win 3-2 in an entertaining and dramatic match.

In 2023, the last 7-team edition of the Club World Cup was held in Saudi Arabia. Club León, representing CONCACAF, faced Urawa Red Diamonds in the quarterfinals and lost by the narrowest of margins.

Four attempts. Four defeats. A lingering ghost that haunted every Mexican team brave enough to face the rising sun. Until now.

Rayados: The Ones Who Broke the Spell

Unlike their predecessors, Domènec Torrent’s squad didn’t hesitate. They were aggressive, well-organized, and, most importantly, clinical. Their game plan was clear from the start: go for the win. And they executed it with the kind of authority that makes one thing obvious — this team didn’t come just to participate.

This victory carries symbolic weight as well. Monterrey has closed the chapter on years of frustration and opened one of redemption. Because Mexican football no longer fears Asian opponents… and because for Monterrey, the 2025 Club World Cup is just getting started.