Sergio Ramos and James Rodríguez will face off tonight in Liga MX as Monterrey visit León to close out Matchday 5. The game kicks off at 19:00 Central Mexico at Estadio León and will be broadcast on TUDN and Tubi TV.
The meeting renews a friendship forged at Real Madrid. Ramos and James were teammates during a successful era at the Spanish club: they played 91 matches together and helped Madrid win nine titles, including two UEFA Champions League trophies and two Club World Cups. Ramos, a long-serving captain and influential figure in the dressing room, once publicly intervened on James’s behalf in 2016 when the Colombian was at risk of leaving under Zinedine Zidane. Ramos told the press he hoped James would stay, saying he held him in high esteem and that he was a player who could help Madrid. On the pitch the duo combined for decisive moments, including an assist from James for a Ramos goal against Villarreal.
Both players later moved abroad and eventually signed for Liga MX clubs with the aim of reaching the Club World Cup. Ramos was able to play in that competition; Rodríguez could not because of rules related to multi-club ownership involving Grupo Pachuca. The pair reunited on April 20 this year at León, when Monterrey won 2-0 and secured a play-in spot; as captains they embraced in the tunnel and again before the game in front of the stadium.
What to watch tonight
– Leadership and experience: Both are veteran leaders whose presence can lift their teams in tight moments.
– Tactical matchups: Ramos’s aerial and defensive organization vs. Monterrey’s set-piece and attacking plans; James’s creativity and ability to unlock defenses for León.
– Emotional subplot: A reunion of two former teammates and friends who shared significant success at the highest level.
Additional comments
Ramos’s 2016 intervention with Zidane is consistent with his long-standing role as a caretaker figure in the Madrid dressing room—helping new or struggling teammates adapt was part of his leadership. The current matchup gives Liga MX fans a rare chance to see two former world-class teammates now captaining rival clubs in Mexico.
Short summary
Sergio Ramos and James Rodríguez meet again tonight in Liga MX as Monterrey visit León. Their long friendship and shared success at Real Madrid add an emotional layer to the clash, which starts at 19:00 Central Mexico and airs on TUDN and Tubi TV.
Hopeful note
Beyond the rivalry, this match highlights the goodwill and sportsmanship between two experienced players who remain influential on and off the field. It’s an opportunity for fans to enjoy top-level moments and for Liga MX to showcase international stars leading their teams.