The Liga MX Apertura 2025 season kicked off with an electrifying clash between FC Juárez and reigning champions Club América at the Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez on Friday, July 11, 2025. The match, which began at 11 p.m. ET and was officiated by Mexican referee Ismael Rosario López Peñuelas, marked the first matchday of the new campaign and drew a packed crowd of 19,703 passionate fans eager to witness the return of top-flight Mexican soccer.
Club América, known as Las Águilas, entered the match as the dominant force in Liga MX, boasting a record 16 league titles and fresh off their triumphant 2024-25 Clausura season where they secured their 15th title by defeating Cruz Azul 2-1 on aggregate in the final. Despite their recent success, América faced some challenges heading into this opener. Key players Henry Martín and Ángel Malagón were sidelined due to injury and rest after the 2025 Gold Cup, while the futures of Álvaro Fidalgo and Brian Rodríguez remained uncertain amid transfer speculations. Nevertheless, the team remained a formidable opponent with talents like Alejandro Zendejas, Victor Dávila, and Brian Rodríguez expected to spearhead their attack.
On the other side, FC Juárez arrived at the season opener with renewed optimism after their best-ever campaign in the previous Clausura, finishing ninth with 24 points and narrowly missing the playoffs following a penalty shootout loss to Pumas. Managed by Martín Varini in his second full season, Juárez aimed to build on their progress with key acquisitions like winger Ricardinho, who brought valuable experience from Portugal's Primeira Liga. Despite being considered underdogs, Juárez was determined to leverage their home advantage and the fervent support of their fans.
The match unfolded as a tense and tactical encounter, with both teams battling for midfield control and creating limited clear-cut chances in the first half. The pace was initially slow, marked by numerous fouls and a strong defensive showing from Juárez, who successfully contained América's attempts to penetrate their backline. However, the deadlock was broken in the 41st minute when Alejandro Zendejas capitalized on a moment of confusion despite an offside call, slotting home the game's opening goal to give América a crucial lead heading into halftime.
As the second half commenced, FC Juárez intensified their efforts to level the score, pressing higher and seeking opportunities through crosses and quick transitions. The match's intensity rose further in the 72nd minute when América's Erick Sanchez received a red card for a hard tackle on the ankle, reducing Las Águilas to ten men and providing Juárez with a numerical advantage. This pivotal moment energized the home side, who pushed relentlessly for an equalizer in the final stages.
Despite the extra man, Juárez initially struggled to convert their dominance into clear chances, with América displaying tactical discipline to protect their lead. However, persistence paid off in the 81st minute when Rodolfo Pizarro rose above the defense to deliver a precise header, leveling the score at 1-1 and igniting the stadium. The remaining minutes saw Juárez pressing aggressively for a winning goal, but América's resilient defense and game management ensured the match ended in a hard-fought draw after seven minutes of added time.
This 1-1 result reflected the competitive spirit and contrasting trajectories of the two clubs. While América maintained their unbeaten record in Juárez, extending their dominance in the head-to-head series with nine wins in the last 15 meetings, Juárez demonstrated their growing capability to challenge the league's elite. The match also highlighted the impact of squad depth and the challenges posed by absences and potential transfers, particularly for América.
Looking ahead, Club América will aim to regain their throne after their recent final loss to Toluca and continue their impressive run of four consecutive final appearances. Meanwhile, Juárez will seek to capitalize on this encouraging start, building momentum under Varini's guidance to establish themselves as serious contenders in Liga MX.
For fans eager to follow the Liga MX action, the match was broadcast across multiple platforms in the United States, including FOX Sports 1, Fox Deportes, NBC Universo, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, and Sling Blue, ensuring wide accessibility. The thrilling opener set a high bar for the Apertura 2025 season, promising an exciting campaign filled with drama, skill, and passionate competition.
As the Liga MX season unfolds, both FC Juárez and Club América will look to refine their strategies, integrate new signings, and navigate the challenges of a demanding schedule. The draw at Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez serves as a reminder that in Mexican soccer, every point counts and surprises await at every turn.
