In the lead-up to the highly anticipated quarter-final clash between América and Pachuca, tensions are running high as both teams prepare for a fierce battle. The rivalry between these two clubs has intensified with recent comments from Pachuca's Salomón Rondón, who has questioned the legitimacy of América's three consecutive championships, suggesting that a controversial officiating decision played a pivotal role in their success.
América's head coach, André Jardine, took to the podium on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, to defend his team's honor and their achievements. "We won through effort and respect for our opponents," Jardine stated, emphasizing the hard work and dedication his players have shown throughout the season. His remarks came in response to Rondón's criticism, who claimed that a disputed call in the Clausura 2024 match favored América, allowing them to progress with a goal from Julián Quiñones that should not have counted.
Rondón didn't hold back in his critique, asserting, "That three-peat is quite tarnished by certain things." He pointed to a specific incident where a throw-in decision should have gone in favor of Pachuca, which he believes changed the trajectory of the match and ultimately the series. "Without that play, we wouldn't be talking about a three-time champion América," he added, reinforcing the belief that his team is more than capable of competing with the giants of Coapa.
As the two teams gear up for their quarter-final match on May 7 at the Estadio Hidalgo, the stakes couldn't be higher. Pachuca enters the match with a recent victory over América, having defeated them 1-0 in the regular season, thanks to Rondón's decisive goal. This result not only broke América's six-match unbeaten streak in Liga MX but also boosted Pachuca's confidence heading into the playoffs.
The atmosphere surrounding the upcoming match is electric, fueled by the history and rivalry between the clubs. Fans are eagerly anticipating a showdown that promises not just skill on the pitch but also a battle of wits between the coaches. Jardine has struggled to outmaneuver his counterpart, Guillermo Almada, since arriving in Mexican football, adding another layer of intrigue to their tactical duel.
América is expected to field its strongest lineup, featuring key players like Alejandro Zendejas, Álvaro Fidalgo, and Chiquito Sánchez, all of whom will be crucial in executing their game plan. With the experience of veterans such as Guillermo Ochoa, Diego Valdés, and Henry Martín, the Águilas are determined to defend their title and silence their critics.
On the other hand, Pachuca boasts a formidable attacking lineup and will look to exploit any weaknesses in América's defense. Rondón, who has proven to be a thorn in América's side, will once again be a focal point for Pachuca as they aim to capitalize on their home advantage in the first leg of the quarter-finals.
As both teams prepare to clash, the rivalry has spilled over into social media, with fans rallying behind their respective clubs using hashtags like #ÓdiameMás and #Papachuca. The anticipation for this match is palpable, with supporters eager to witness the latest chapter in this storied rivalry.
Adding to the drama, Jesús Rafael López has been appointed as the referee for the match, a decision that has drawn mixed reactions given the contentious nature of past officiating in these encounters. Fans and pundits alike hope that his performance will not overshadow the action on the field.
The first leg will kick off at 19:00 (Mexico City time) on May 7, 2025, with live coverage available on TUDN and ViX Premium. The return leg will take place on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, where América will look to leverage their playoff experience to advance further in the tournament.
As the countdown to the match continues, both teams are acutely aware of the significance of this encounter. For América, it’s an opportunity to reaffirm their dominance and silence any doubters, while Pachuca seeks to prove they have what it takes to dethrone the reigning champions. With so much at stake, fans can expect a thrilling contest filled with intensity, skill, and perhaps a few surprises along the way.
The rivalry between América and Pachuca is not just about the match itself; it’s about pride, history, and the pursuit of glory in the Liga MX. As the players take the field, the hopes and dreams of their supporters will be riding on their shoulders, making this one of the most exciting matchups of the season. Buckle up for what promises to be a memorable showdown!
