Inter Milan booked their place in the FIFA Club World Cup knockout stages after defeating River Plate 2-0 in Seattle. The Italians topped Group E, with red cards for River sealing their elimination. Monterrey also advanced, setting up high-stakes matches in the next round.
Monterrey faced Pachuca in the Apertura 2017 Copa MX Final at Estadio BBVA Bancomer. Monterrey's history in finals contrasted with Pachuca's first appearance, raising the stakes for the teams, as a place in the 2018 Supercopa MX awaited the winner.