In a dramatic turn of events, Club América faced a dual challenge on April 19, 2025, as they not only secured an impressive 5-0 victory over Mazatlán but also saw their star goalkeeper, Luis Ángel Malagón, sustain a concerning ankle injury. The match, held at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, was pivotal for América as they prepared for the upcoming Liguilla, but Malagón's injury has cast a shadow over their triumph.
The incident occurred in the 18th minute when Malagón attempted to prevent a corner kick. As he stretched to intercept the ball, his left ankle twisted alarmingly when it caught on the turf. Despite the immediate concern, Malagón continued to play until halftime, showcasing his determination and resilience. However, he was ultimately replaced by Rodolfo Cota as a precautionary measure.
Images of Malagón leaving the stadium on a stretcher heightened fears among fans and the coaching staff. Initial reports from Julio Ibáñez of TUDN confirmed that the goalkeeper was taken to the hospital for further evaluation, with a preliminary diagnosis suggesting a sprain in his left ankle. Fortunately, it was ruled out that he had suffered a fracture, providing a glimmer of hope for his recovery ahead of the crucial playoff phase.
André Jardine, the head coach of América, expressed relief during the post-match press conference, stating, "It was to preserve him; it’s an ankle sprain that doesn’t concern us too much." Jardine remains optimistic that Malagón could potentially be fit for the quarterfinals of the Liguilla, which are set to begin in early May.
However, Malagón's injury adds to a growing list of concerns for América, which has already seen over 15 players sidelined due to various injuries throughout the tournament. Key players such as Diego Valdés and Brian Rodríguez are also nursing muscle tears, with Rodríguez's condition being particularly severe, ruling him out for the remainder of the tournament.
Despite these setbacks, there is some good news for América fans. León Lecanda of ESPN reported that the club is hopeful about the return of Henry Martín and Alan Cervantes for the first leg of the quarterfinals. Martín, who has been dealing with tendinitis, may not require surgery, which could see him back on the pitch in time for the playoffs. Meanwhile, Valdés is aiming for a return in the second leg of the quarterfinals if the team advances.
In the match against Mazatlán, América’s offense was spearheaded by Víctor Dávila, who scored two goals, bringing his total to seven for the season, making him the team’s leading scorer. Javairo Dilrosun also made a significant impact, assisting on the opening goal and helping to quell recent criticism of his performances.
Rodrigo Aguirre made a triumphant return from injury, scoring in the last 25 minutes of the game, further bolstering the team’s morale as they head into the playoffs. This victory not only secured América's place in the Liguilla without needing to participate in the Play-In but also showcased their offensive capabilities despite the ongoing injury crisis.
With the playoffs approaching, Jardine is focused on maximizing the recovery of his players. The coaching staff is working diligently to ensure that as many key players as possible return to full fitness in time for the knockout stages. The stakes are high as América aims for a fourth consecutive championship title, known as the Tetracampeonato.
As fans eagerly await news on Malagón's condition, the team is also looking to build on their momentum from the Mazatlán victory. Historically, América has performed well against Mazatlán, having won their last three regular-season encounters by margins of five goals or more, including this latest outing.
In conclusion, while the triumph over Mazatlán was a much-needed boost for Club América, the injury to Luis Ángel Malagón presents a significant challenge as they prepare for the Liguilla. The next few days will be crucial for the team as they await updates on their key players’ health and gear up for what promises to be an intense playoff battle.
