The highly anticipated match of the Clausura 2025 Liga MX unfolded on February 14, 2025, as Club América faced off against Necaxa at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes. With kick-off scheduled for 9:00 PM, both teams entered the field with differing ambitions, setting the stage for what many hoped would be an electrifying encounter.
Club América has had quite the historical run, clinching championships for the Apertura 2023 and the Clausura and Apertura 2024, marking their dominance with 14, 15, and 16 titles, respectively. Under the guidance of coach André Jardine, they recently celebrated victory at the Campeones Cup by overcoming Columbus Crew, which has only intensified their ambition to maintain their winning streak. The fierce Eagles, they call themselves, are not just aiming to defend their crown this season but are gunning for what would be their historic tetracampeonato.
The match was pivotal for both sides. América aimed to solidify their position at the top of the table, having recently bounced back from a 2-1 loss against LAFC. This latest game marked their opportunity to showcase their depth, going head-to-head with the impressive Necaxa, who were eager for their fourth win of the tournament.
Coach Jardine fielded serious contenders for this match. Despite missing key players like Kevin Álvarez and Jonathan dos Santos due to injuries, he named Luis Malagón as their goalkeeper, supported by defenders Dagoberto Espinoza, Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, and Cristian Borja. The midfield trio was made up of Álvaro Fidalgo, Richard Sánchez, and Erick Sánchez, with Alejandro Zendejas and Brian Rodríguez flanking striker Víctor Dávila.
Necaxa, buoyed by earlier successes against significant rivals like Chivas Rayadas del Guadalajara, entered the match with confidence. Their lineup included standout striker Diber Cambindo, whose form had made headlines across the league. The match up had drawn attention, with both clubs aiming to demonstrate their prowess on the field.
Initially slated for February 15, the match was moved up to February 14 to avoid conflicts with a concert by the band Intocable, showcasing the club's willingness to prioritize sporting engagements. This advanced planning was met with enthusiasm from fans who were eager for action.
From the first whistle, the game erupted with energy and anticipation. Just minutes in, the dynamic play from Necaxa paid off when José Paradela struck first, putting Necaxa on the scoreboard at just the 3rd minute, igniting their fans and throwing América off balance. The quick goal set the tone early as fans were already buzzing with excitement.
Eschewing any hesitation, Necaxa built on their lead, with Cambindo scoring again at the 31st minute, leaving their opponents scrambling. The 2-0 lead showcased their precision and determination, prompting spirited responses from the home side. Club América, known for their resilience, kicked their efforts up a notch, aiming to recapture control of the match.
Throughout the first half, the tactical acumen of both coaches was on display, with Jardine adjusting strategies to mitigate the early strikes from Necaxa. Though Club América mounted several attacks, they struggled to find the net, often being thwarted by intense, disciplined defense from Necaxa.
Referee Oscar Mejía García officiated with vigilance, maintaining order as tensions simmered, particularly following yellow cards issued to players from both teams. The wheeling dance of competitive play illustrated each team's drive to dominate.
Supporters from both teams filled the stadium with hope and fervor, creating an electric atmosphere. The festivities around the match showcased the deep-seated rivalry between these clubs, each filled with aspirations for glory and pride.
The challenge for América became crystallized as the minutes ticked down; could they overturn the deficit? The team's efforts intensified as the moment for action lingered, forcing their attacking players to stretch the Necaxa defense, seeking gaps for opportunities.
Fans held their breath as the match approached the final quarter. Club América disrupted Necaxa's rhythm with innovative plays, yet their attempts to penetrate the defense fell short time and again. It was not until late substitutions were made, including bringing on another attacking presence, did the match take another swing.
Yet, their hopes were dashed as Necaxa stood firm, parrying each move Amercian’s made, keeping the clean sheet alive. The whistle blew after extensive stoppage time, sealing the remarkable victory for Necaxa, who celebrated their significant achievement.
This match left fans buzzing, not just for the outcome, but for the thrilling display from both sides. América had glimpsed both the agony of defeat and the possibility of redemption, pushing them to re-strategize for future encounters, as they prepare to tread the path back to the top. For now, Necaxa revels as the giants slayers, wrapping up their matchday with pride and newfound confidence.