In a thrilling conclusion to the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarter-finals, Club América secured their spot in the semifinals with a decisive 2-0 victory over Pachuca at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes on Saturday, May 10, 2025. With the aggregate score standing at 2-0, América continues their impressive streak, now boasting 16 consecutive Liguilla games without a loss.
The match began with both teams eager to assert their dominance, following a scoreless draw in the first leg at Estadio Hidalgo. América, positioned second in the league, only needed a draw to advance, while Pachuca, finishing eighth, was under pressure to secure a win. The stakes were high, and the atmosphere was electric as fans filled the stadium, hoping for a memorable night of football.
From the outset, Club América showcased their attacking intent. The first real chance came in the 16th minute, when Alejandro Zendejas found the back of the net with a powerful shot that left Pachuca's goalkeeper, Carlos Moreno, with no chance. This goal not only put América ahead but also marked Zendejas' seventh goal in Liguilla, tying him with Raúl Jiménez as the sixth all-time scorer for the club in short tournaments.
As the game progressed, Pachuca struggled to find their rhythm. Their best chance came shortly after Zendejas' opener, when Oussama Idrissi's long-range effort struck the crossbar, sending a wave of concern through the home crowd. Despite their attempts to respond, Pachuca's offense was stifled by a solid América defense led by goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón, who made crucial saves to keep a clean sheet.
In the second half, América doubled their lead in the 29th minute when Zendejas scored again, this time converting a cross with a well-timed slide that beat Moreno at the near post. The goal sent the fans into a frenzy, as the home side appeared to have one foot firmly planted in the semifinals.
Pachuca's night took a turn for the worse when Idrissi received a second yellow card in the 45+2 minute, leaving his team with ten men for the remainder of the match. This red card proved to be a pivotal moment, as Pachuca struggled to mount any significant offense thereafter.
Despite being a man down, Pachuca continued to fight, but they were unable to penetrate América's organized defense. With each passing minute, the urgency grew for the Tuzos, who needed at least two goals to advance. Their efforts were met with resistance, as América expertly managed the game, controlling possession and limiting Pachuca's chances.
As the match entered its final moments, América was awarded a penalty in the 91st minute after Carlos Sánchez was penalized for a handball in the area. However, Aguirre's attempt from the spot was unsuccessful, hitting the crossbar and denying América a third goal. This miss was a mere footnote in an otherwise dominant performance.
With the final whistle, América celebrated their victory, knowing they had not only secured their place in the semifinals but also extended their unbeaten run in Liguilla matches. The win sets up an exciting semifinal clash, likely against Cruz Azul, depending on the outcomes of the remaining quarter-final matches.
América's head coach, André Jardine, expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure under pressure. "We knew we had to control the game and take our chances when they came. The players executed the game plan perfectly," he said post-match.
Pachuca's manager, Guillermo Almada, remained optimistic despite the defeat, acknowledging the team's efforts and the challenges they faced. "We fought hard, but we couldn't convert our chances. We will learn from this experience and come back stronger," he stated.
As the Liga MX playoffs continue, all eyes will be on América as they aim for a fourth consecutive title. Their blend of experienced players and emerging talents like Zendejas will be crucial as they navigate the challenges ahead. Meanwhile, Pachuca will look to regroup and build for the next season, reflecting on the lessons learned from their Liguilla campaign.
In summary, América's victory not only highlights their dominance in this year's tournament but also sets the stage for an exhilarating semifinal round. Fans eagerly await to see if they can continue their winning ways and add another trophy to their storied history.
