In a dramatic showdown at Estadio Hidalgo, América Femenil suffered a crushing 3-0 defeat against Pachuca in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 Liga MX Femenil final. The loss leaves the Águilas with a daunting task ahead in the second leg, scheduled for this coming Monday at Ciudad de los Deportes.
The match started on a sour note for América as Pachuca's Charlyn Corral capitalized on a defensive blunder just three minutes into the game. Corral's early strike set the tone for the match, but the real turning point came at the 11-minute mark when a controversial penalty was awarded to Pachuca. The foul, committed by América goalkeeper Sandra Paños, raised eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.
Replays showed that Paños did not make contact with Chinwendu Ihezuo, the Pachuca forward who appeared to initiate the contact. Former referee Felipe Ramos Rizo weighed in on the situation, stating, "The penalty against América Femenil should not have been called. Ihezuo left her foot in search of contact with Paños." This moment of controversy has sparked debates regarding the officiating in crucial matches.
Despite the setback, América Femenil, led by head coach Ángel Villacampa, remains determined to turn the tide in their favor. Under Villacampa's guidance, the team has reached the final five times, but they have only managed to lift the trophy once. He emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming match: "With all the difficulties we’ve faced in the tournament, now is not the time to cry or make excuses. We have 90 minutes at home, and we must believe that if we find our form, we can turn this around."
The upcoming second leg will be a true test of character for América. To force extra time, they must secure a victory by at least three goals. Any win by a lesser margin or a draw will hand the championship to Pachuca, who are seeking their first title in club history. The stakes couldn't be higher.
In the first leg, Pachuca's dominance was evident not just in the scoreline but also in their overall gameplay. Alongside Corral's brace, Nina Nicosia added another goal, showcasing Pachuca's attacking prowess. The Tuzas improved on their earlier meeting with América during the regular season, where they won 2-1. Now, they enter the second leg with a significant advantage.
As excitement builds for the return match, ticket sales have skyrocketed, reflecting the high interest in this decisive encounter. The final will take place on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 19:00 local time. Tickets have been priced at various tiers, with Zona Cabeceras at $100 MXN, Platea Esquinas at $150 MXN, Platea Central at $200 MXN, and Zona Especial Club at $400 MXN. The demand has been so intense that all sections of the stadium had to be opened to accommodate fans eager to witness the action.
Villacampa also stressed the need for his players to maintain their identity despite the heavy defeat. He remarked, "We lost a bit of our team spirit; we focused too much on individual plays. We need to return to what has brought us success this season." This statement highlights the challenges faced by the team in their pursuit of glory.
As the clock ticks down to the second leg, both teams will feel the pressure. América Femenil has proven their mettle in high-stakes situations before, but they must now summon all their strength and skill to overcome a formidable opponent in Pachuca. The return match promises to be a thrilling encounter, with the potential for a historic comeback or a celebration for Pachuca.
In the grand scheme of the Liga MX Femenil, this final not only determines the champion but also showcases the growth and competitiveness of women's football in Mexico. The storylines are rich—América, a club with a storied history, versus Pachuca, a team on the cusp of achieving their dreams. The stage is set, and all eyes will be on Ciudad de los Deportes as the two teams battle it out for the ultimate prize.
With the final whistle of the first leg still echoing in the minds of the players, the focus now shifts to the second leg. Will América Femenil rise to the occasion and pull off a stunning comeback? Or will Pachuca secure their maiden title in style? Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thrilling finale.
