Monterrey are set to make changes for Atlas Vs Monterrey on Saturday, August 1, 2026, with Daniel Aceves expected to return to the starting XI in Jornada 3 of the Torneo Apertura 2026. The move comes as Stefan Medina serves a suspension, forcing Monterrey to adjust their defensive structure after the 2-1 loss to Club Necaxa in Fecha 2.
The defeat to Club Necaxa ended Monterrey's unbeaten run in the tournament quickly, and that result has sharpened the focus on team selection ahead of the visit to Estadio Jalisco. With the match scheduled for 19:00 hours, the discussion around Monterrey is less about chasing a dramatic overhaul and more about restoring balance in a side that now has to respond after a setback.
A defensive change that opens the door
The clearest reason for Daniel Aceves to come back into the XI is straightforward: Monterrey need to replace the suspended Stefan Medina. In a match of this kind, that kind of enforced change is often the most important one, because it affects the way the team builds from the back as well as how it protects space when Atlas push forward.
That is why the expected lineup matters. Luis Cárdenas is likely to start in goal, with Ricardo Chávez, Daniel Aceves, Carlos Salcedo and Gerardo Arteaga forming the defensive line. Ahead of them, Óliver Torres is expected to be part of the midfield setup as Monterrey look to regain control after the late loss to Rayos.
Matías Almeyda and the first big selection call
There is also a broader sense that this is an early test for Matías Almeyda on the bench. Monterrey's response to the defeat against Club Necaxa will not be judged only by the result at Estadio Jalisco, but by how settled and organised they look after a quick turnaround in the opening weeks of Liga MX Apertura 2026.
For Monterrey, the key question is whether the expected XI can bring more control and security than the side that slipped in stoppage time in Fecha 2. If Aceves does return, it will be because the suspension to Stefan Medina has forced the issue, and because Monterrey need a reliable answer in Jornada 3 as they look to steady themselves after an early stumble.
