In a thrilling encounter at the Ciudad de los Deportes Stadium, Club América triumphed over Pachuca with a 2-0 victory in the second leg of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals on May 11, 2025. This win not only secured América's place in the semifinals but also showcased the brilliance of Alejandro Zendejas, who scored both goals for his team, further solidifying his status as a key player in the league.
The match began with a palpable intensity as both teams were eager to secure their advancement in the tournament. Club América, known for its aggressive attacking style, took control early on, while Pachuca focused on maintaining a solid defensive shape, hoping to capitalize on counterattacks.
The game's defining moment arrived in the 16th minute when Alejandro Zendejas found the back of the net after a well-executed counterattack. His precise shot from the edge of the box gave América an early lead, igniting the crowd and setting the tone for the remainder of the match. "GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL AMERICA!" the commentators exclaimed, encapsulating the excitement in the stadium.
Despite falling behind, Pachuca did not back down. They pushed forward, creating several opportunities to equalize. However, América's defense, led by goalkeeper Luis Malagón, remained resolute. Malagón made crucial saves throughout the match, ensuring a clean sheet and denying Pachuca's best chances to score.
América maintained a slight edge in possession, finishing the match with 51.2% of the ball compared to Pachuca's 48.8%. This control allowed them to dictate the pace and rhythm of the game, effectively neutralizing Pachuca's counterattacking threats.
As the match progressed, Pachuca's frustrations grew, culminating in a pivotal moment just before halftime. Oussama Idrissi, who had been a key player for Pachuca, received a second yellow card for a foul on América's Alvaro Fidalgo, resulting in a red card that left Pachuca with ten men. This moment proved to be a turning point, as Pachuca's task became significantly more challenging with one less player on the field.
In the second half, América continued to apply pressure. Zendejas, already having scored once, doubled his tally in the 65th minute with another well-placed shot, this time from a cross delivered by Kevin Álvarez. The crowd erupted in cheers as the scoreboard read 2-0, firmly placing América in control of the match.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, Pachuca fought valiantly, seeking to claw back into the game. They came close on several occasions, including a shot that hit the post and another that forced a spectacular save from Malagón. However, the relentless defense of América held firm, and Pachuca's attempts were thwarted time and again.
As the match neared its conclusion, América had a chance to extend their lead further when Rodrigo Aguirre was awarded a penalty kick after being fouled in the box. However, Aguirre's shot went wide, missing an opportunity to seal the game with a third goal. This miss did not dampen the spirits of the home crowd, who were jubilant at the prospect of their team advancing to the semifinals.
With the final whistle, Club América celebrated their hard-fought victory. The aggregate score of 2-0 secured their place in the semifinals of the Liga MX Clausura 2025, continuing their quest for a historic four-peat in the league. "We showed resilience and determination, and I'm proud of how the team performed today," said América's coach André Jardine in the post-match press conference.
For Pachuca, the loss marked the end of their journey in this year's tournament. Despite their elimination, the team displayed commendable effort throughout the match and will look to regroup and focus on rebuilding for the next season. Coach Guillermo Almada acknowledged the challenges they faced, stating, "We fought hard, but we need to learn from these experiences to come back stronger next season."
As Club América prepares for their next challenge in the semifinals, fans can look forward to more thrilling action as the team continues its pursuit of another league title. With players like Zendejas in top form, América will undoubtedly be a formidable contender in the upcoming matches.
Stay tuned for updates on Club América's next opponent and the match schedule as the excitement of the Liga MX Clausura 2025 continues to unfold.
