In an exciting conclusion to the regular phase of the Clausura 2025, Club América finished strong in second place, securing their spot in the quarterfinals of the Liga MX playoffs. After a few anxious days of waiting to learn their opponent, the Águilas have now been matched against a formidable rival: Pachuca. Known for their tenacity in the playoffs, Pachuca poses a significant challenge, and América is well aware that this encounter will not be a walk in the park.
Under the guidance of head coach André Jardine, América has used the time since the regular season ended to recover from injuries and meticulously prepare for the Liguilla. With their roster nearly at full strength, the team is eager to impose their experience and hierarchy against a youthful and dynamic Pachuca side. Historically, this matchup has favored the Tuzos, who have eliminated América in crucial playoff encounters before, making this quarterfinal clash all the more intriguing.
Pachuca earned their place in the quarterfinals by defeating Monterrey 2-1 in a thrilling play-in match held at Estadio BBVA. Despite falling behind early in the game, the Tuzos rallied back with a stunning performance. Germán Berterame opened the scoring for Monterrey in the 51st minute, but Pachuca equalized in the 82nd minute with a well-placed goal from Eduardo Bauermann. Just five minutes later, Salomón Rondón secured the victory with a decisive strike, sending Pachuca into the playoffs with momentum and confidence.
Now, América will face Pachuca in a best-of-two series, with the first leg scheduled for either May 7 or May 8, 2025, at Estadio Hidalgo. The second leg will take place at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes on May 10 or May 11, 2025. This format pits the second-place team against the victor of the play-in round, and América’s superior regular-season finish means they will play the second leg at home, a crucial advantage in any playoff series.
Historically, the rivalry between América and Pachuca has been intense, especially in the playoffs. In their previous seven Liguilla encounters, Pachuca holds a slight edge with five victories to América's two. The two teams have faced off in the quarterfinals on four occasions, with each team winning twice. América’s triumphs came in the Clausura 2012 and Clausura 2024, while Pachuca celebrated wins in the Clausura 2015 and Clausura 2021. This storied history adds layers of excitement and pressure to the upcoming matches.
América enters the playoffs with a record of ten wins, four draws, and three losses, accumulating a total of 34 points during the regular season. Coming off a strong finish with victories in three of their last four matches, the team is determined to overcome the disappointment of their recent elimination from the Concachampions by Cruz Azul. The quest for a historic fourth consecutive championship is alive, and the players are ready to rise to the occasion.
On the other hand, Pachuca arrives at this matchup with a chip on their shoulder. Although they struggled against top teams during the regular season, suffering defeats against León, Cruz Azul, Guadalajara, and Toluca, they managed to secure a victory over América earlier in the season, winning 1-0 in Jornada 14 thanks to a goal from Rondón. This victory has fueled their confidence as they look to build on their playoff success.
Head coach André Jardine knows that every detail counts in the playoffs, and he has emphasized the importance of not underestimating their opponent. "We have to be at our best; Pachuca is a team that knows how to compete in the playoffs," he remarked. The players are aware that they cannot afford to take anything for granted if they want to keep their hopes of a fourth consecutive title alive.
The upcoming quarterfinal series promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams eager to advance to the semifinals. Fans are gearing up for what should be an electrifying atmosphere at both venues, as the stakes could not be higher. With the first leg approaching, anticipation is building around what promises to be a classic playoff showdown.
In summary, as América prepares to face Pachuca in the quarterfinals of the Clausura 2025, they do so with a mix of excitement and caution. The history between these two teams adds an extra layer of intrigue, and with both sides eager to make their mark in the playoffs, fans can expect nothing less than a fierce battle for a spot in the semifinals.
