Club América delivered a resounding statement in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 by dismantling Puebla 4-0 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc on February 21, 2026. The emphatic win not only snapped the Eagles’ recent struggles but also showcased the squad’s growing chemistry, especially among new signings and emerging talents. After a tough defeat in the previous Clásico Nacional, América’s response was nothing short of spectacular, with goals from Raphael Veiga, Isaías Violante, Víctor Dávila, and José 'Pantera' Zúñiga lighting up the scoreboard.
The match started with a scare for América, as Puebla’s Esteban Lozano nearly opened the scoring within the first ten minutes. A crucial slide tackle from Miguel Vázquez denied the home side, setting the tone for a match that would soon swing decisively in favor of the visitors. According to America Y Ya, "Esteban Lozano had everything to open the score, but a slide tackle from Miguel Vázquez prevented the rival's first goal."
Despite Puebla’s early aggression, América gradually found their rhythm. Rodrigo Dourado, the lone defensive midfielder, was initially overwhelmed, but the Eagles’ midfield began to assert control. Isaías Violante and Aarón Mejía, both starting on the right, needed time to synchronize their play, but their persistence paid off as the match wore on. On the left, Brian Rodríguez faced heavy marking, prompting América to shift their attacks across the pitch.
The breakthrough came in the 43rd minute. Isaías Violante, who was entrusted with more responsibility in Alejandro Zendejas’ absence, delivered a pinpoint cross into the box. Raphael Veiga, América’s marquee Brazilian signing, was perfectly positioned to slot home his first goal in Mexican football. As ESPN.com.mx reported, "¡PRIMER GOL DE VEIGA! The Brazilian responds to the first start of André Jardine and marks his first goal with América." This moment not only put América ahead but also injected fresh confidence into a team eager to erase memories of their recent defeat.
Puebla, who had competed toe-to-toe until the opener, seemed deflated after conceding. Their lack of depth and form was exposed as América began to dominate possession and create chances at will. The hosts’ struggles were summarized succinctly by Mediotiempo: "El gol de los azulcremas apagó por completo al Puebla que hasta ese momento había competido de tú a tú ante un monstruo como el América."
The second half saw América shift into a higher gear. Just after the hour mark, Isaías Violante capped off a stellar individual performance by cutting inside the box and firing home the second goal. It was his first in an América shirt and a testament to the faith shown in him by coach André Jardine. America Y Ya called it "the best match for Isaías Violante since he joined Club América without a doubt." Not only did Violante score, but he also provided an assist, underlining his growing importance to the squad.
Jardine, aware of the need to manage minutes and maintain intensity, made a series of substitutions in the 73rd minute. Erick Sánchez, Henry Martín, and Raphael Veiga made way for Vinicius Lima, Jonathan dos Santos, and Víctor Dávila. The changes paid immediate dividends. In the 78th minute, a cross from Brian Rodríguez was expertly controlled by Vinicius Lima, whose chest pass set up Víctor Dávila to score América’s third. The move showcased the depth and adaptability of the Eagles’ roster, with Lima’s adaptation to Mexican football becoming increasingly evident.
With Puebla reeling and América in full flight, the visitors added a fourth goal in the 86th minute. Patricio Salas threaded a perfect through ball to José 'Pantera' Zúñiga, who finished calmly to cap the rout. Zúñiga’s goal was particularly sweet, given recent criticism from supporters. As noted in Article 1, "Anotaron Dávila y Zúñiga... quienes habían sido muy criticados por la afición." Both players responded emphatically on the pitch, silencing doubters and lifting the team’s spirits.
Defensively, América were solid throughout, with Luis Malagón keeping a clean sheet behind a backline featuring Israel Reyes, Cristian Borja, Miguel Vázquez, and debutant Aarón Mejía. Mejía, handed his first start in place of the struggling Kevin Álvarez, impressed with his composure and energy. According to ESPN.com.mx, "Mejía tuvo que esperar siete partidos para ver sus primeros minutos como azulcrema." His performance offered Jardine more options as the season progresses.
Perhaps most remarkable was América’s ability to thrive without Alejandro Zendejas, widely regarded as their best player this season. His absence could have spelled trouble, but the likes of Violante, Veiga, and the Brazilian contingent stepped up in style. As the squad’s new faces continue to gel, optimism is returning to the Coapa camp. "Los brasileños cada vez lucen mejor, Veiga anotó y Lima colaboró con una asistencia, su etapa de adaptación finalizó y parece que ayudarán mucho al equipo," ESPN.com.mx observed, highlighting the growing impact of the team’s South American imports.
The win propelled América to 11 points in the league standings, placing them sixth after seven matches. It was a much-needed boost for a side that had managed just three goals in the previous six games. The offensive explosion will give Jardine’s men plenty of encouragement as they prepare for a challenging fixture against Tigres at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes on February 28. Tigres, known for their resilience, will pose a stern test, but América’s renewed confidence and attacking flair suggest an intriguing contest ahead.
For Puebla, the defeat deepens their struggles near the bottom of the table. With a limited squad and mounting pressure, they face a critical trip to Atlético de San Luis next week. The Camoteros will need to regroup quickly if they are to avoid a prolonged battle against relegation.
As the final whistle sounded in Puebla, there was no doubt that América had rediscovered their swagger. With new signings settling in, young talents blossoming, and a statement victory under their belts, the Eagles look poised to soar even higher as the Clausura 2026 unfolds.