In a dramatic clash during the Liga MX Clausura 2025 Quarterfinals, America triumphed over Pachuca with a 2-0 victory, securing their place in the semifinals. The match was marked by a controversial expulsion of Pachuca's Oussama Idrissi, which left his team at a significant disadvantage before halftime.
The game kicked off at the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium, where America aimed to maintain their quest for a historic fourth consecutive championship. The atmosphere was electric as both teams took the field, knowing the stakes were high. Just 16 minutes into the match, Alejandro Zendejas put America on the scoreboard, finishing a well-placed shot following a blocked attempt by teammate Víctor Dávila. The early goal set the tone for the match, putting Pachuca on the back foot.
As the first half progressed, America continued to dominate the play. In the 28th minute, Zendejas struck again, doubling the lead and leaving Pachuca in a precarious position. Down 2-0, the Tuzos were desperate for a breakthrough, but things took a turn for the worse in stoppage time.
In the 45+2 minute, Idrissi, known for his fiery temperament, committed a blatant foul on Dávila. The Moroccan forward collided with Dávila from behind, prompting referee Daniel Quintero to issue a second yellow card, leading to Idrissi's expulsion. The decision sparked outrage among the Pachuca players, who protested vehemently, but the referee stood firm. Idrissi's departure left Pachuca with ten men, significantly complicating their hopes of a comeback.
Despite the setback, Pachuca entered the halftime break with a tactical re-evaluation, needing at least three goals to advance in the tournament. Coach Guillermo Almada faced the daunting task of rallying his team to overcome the odds.
As the second half began, the atmosphere remained tense. Pachuca pushed forward, seeking to exploit any defensive lapses from America. However, the blue-creams held their ground, effectively neutralizing Pachuca's attempts to score. The game saw several missed opportunities, including a penalty chance for America when Bryan González committed a handball in the area, but Rodrigo Aguirre's shot hit the crossbar, denying the team a third goal.
Pachuca's frustrations mounted as they struggled to find the net. John Kennedy, who had just entered the match, squandered a golden chance to reduce the deficit when his shot went wide. Meanwhile, Carlos Sánchez's efforts also fell short, as he attempted to break through America's defense but was thwarted by goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón.
With time running out, America remained resolute in their defense, and the match drew to a close with the score still at 2-0. The final whistle confirmed America's advancement to the semifinals, where they will face Cruz Azul. This victory not only kept their championship hopes alive but also showcased their resilience and tactical prowess.
Meanwhile, Toluca secured their spot in the semifinals as well, overcoming Monterrey in a thrilling aggregate draw. The Diablos Rojos advanced due to their superior position in the league table, setting the stage for an exciting playoff round.
As America celebrates their victory, they look forward to the next challenge, aiming to continue their pursuit of becoming the first team in Liga MX history to achieve a Tetracampeonato. The journey is far from over, and the upcoming matches promise to deliver more thrilling football.
The rivalry between America and Pachuca has been storied, with this latest encounter adding another chapter to their competitive history. Since their first meeting in 1996, the two teams have faced off 78 times, with Pachuca holding a slight edge in victories. However, America has proven to be a formidable opponent, especially in knockout stages, and this match was no exception.
As fans reflect on the match, questions linger about the impact of Idrissi's expulsion and how it shifted the game's momentum. Will Pachuca learn from this experience and come back stronger next season? Only time will tell, but for now, America revels in their hard-earned victory, ready to chase glory in the Liga MX playoffs.
