In a tense and highly anticipated matchup, América and Pachuca faced off in the first leg of the Liga MX quarter-finals at Estadio Hidalgo on May 7, 2025. Despite the return of key player Henry Martín, who had been sidelined for nearly two months due to a tendon injury, both teams could not find the back of the net, resulting in a frustrating 0-0 draw.
Henry Martín's comeback was a significant highlight for América, as he had not played since March 12, when he participated in a Concachampions match against Chivas. His return was celebrated by fans eager to see him lead the team in their quest for a fourth consecutive championship title. Coach André Jardine made the decision to start Martín, also naming him captain for the match, a testament to his importance in the squad.
However, the game was not without its challenges. Just 25 minutes into the match, a controversial moment occurred when Pachuca's goalkeeper Carlos Moreno collided with Martín outside the area. Initially, Moreno was shown a red card for the incident, but after a review by VAR, the decision was overturned due to an offside call against Martín, allowing Pachuca to keep their goalkeeper on the field.
Both teams had their opportunities throughout the match. The first real chance came from Pachuca in the 24th minute when Eduardo Baguerman's header was expertly saved by América's Luis Malagón, who stretched to deflect the ball out for a corner kick. Just two minutes later, another chance arose for Pachuca, but the potential goal was nullified by the offside ruling after Moreno's collision with Martín.
As the game progressed, América began to assert more pressure on Pachuca’s defense. In the 51st minute, Salomón Rondón had a close-range header that tested Malagón again, but the goalkeeper was up to the task, making another crucial save. The match saw América’s attacking players, including Martín, struggling to convert their chances, which included a missed opportunity in the 70th minute where Kevin Álvarez, Chiquito Sánchez, and Búfalo Aguirre all failed to score despite being in promising positions.
While Pachuca had moments of potential, they were unable to capitalize on their home advantage. The team, under the management of Guillermo Almada, seemed to lack the intensity expected from a squad with a strong playoff history against América. Oussama Idrissi and Rondón were notably quiet throughout the match, failing to create the dynamic plays that fans had hoped to see.
As the final whistle blew, the match ended in a disappointing draw for both sides, leaving the outcome of the quarter-finals hanging in the balance. The second leg is set to take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, where América will advance to the semifinals with any draw or a win, while Pachuca must secure a victory to stay alive in the tournament.
With the stakes high and both teams looking to capitalize on their respective strategies, the upcoming match promises to be a thrilling encounter. América's fans will be hoping for a more decisive performance from their team, particularly from Martín, who will need to shake off the rust from his time away from the pitch. As the Liga MX playoffs unfold, the intensity is sure to rise, and both teams will be eager to secure their place in the next round.
As the teams prepare for the decisive second leg, the anticipation builds. Will Pachuca find their rhythm and capitalize on their home advantage, or will América's experience and depth propel them to victory? The answer awaits as the Liga MX playoffs continue to deliver drama and excitement.
