The quarter-finals of the Liga MX Liguilla kicked off on May 7, 2025, with a highly anticipated clash between Pachuca and América at Estadio Hidalgo. The match ended in a tense 0-0 draw, leaving everything to play for in the second leg scheduled for May 13, 2025.
Despite Pachuca being the home team, América controlled much of the game, boasting 53% possession and outshooting their opponents 15 to 7, with 8 of those shots on target compared to Pachuca's solitary shot on target. However, both teams struggled to find the back of the net, resulting in a stalemate that has left fans on the edge of their seats for the return leg.
The match was marked by a controversial moment when Pachuca's goalkeeper Carlos Moreno was initially sent off after a challenge on Henry Martín. However, after a review by the VAR, the red card was overturned, allowing Moreno to remain in the game, a decision that sparked discussions among fans and analysts alike about the quality of officiating.
América, under coach André Jardine, appeared to be the more dangerous side throughout the match. The team made several tactical substitutions, with Alan Cervantes and Javairo Dilrosun coming on for Henry Martín and Kevin Álvarez, respectively, as they sought to break the deadlock. Despite their efforts, they were unable to capitalize on their chances, with Alejandro Zendejas coming close on a few occasions but ultimately failing to score.
Pachuca, managed by Guillermo Almada, also made key substitutions, including Arturo González for Oussama Idrissi and Santiago Homenchenko for Pedro Pedraza, in an attempt to inject some life into their offense. However, their attacks were often thwarted by a resolute América defense led by Sebastián Cáceres and Israel Reyes.
The first half saw a flurry of yellow cards, with both teams receiving three cautions each. Eduardo Bauermann and Sebastián Cáceres were among those booked, reflecting the physical nature of the encounter. The referee, Jesús López, added an unusual six minutes of stoppage time to the first half, further heightening the tension as both teams pushed for a breakthrough.
Historically, Pachuca has been a challenging opponent for América in the playoffs, having eliminated them on multiple occasions in recent years, including a notable league final victory. This rivalry adds an extra layer of intensity to their matchups, and the fans at Estadio Hidalgo were eager to see if their team could continue this trend.
As the match progressed, Pachuca found themselves defending more as América ramped up their attacking efforts. The home side managed to create a few chances, but their finishing let them down, with a notable effort from Arturo González going wide after a promising build-up.
Even with the rain affecting the pitch conditions, both teams fought hard, showcasing the desire to gain an advantage heading into the second leg. The match was a tactical battle, with both coaches employing strategies to exploit their opponent's weaknesses.
Looking ahead, the second leg promises to be just as thrilling. América will be keen to break their poor record at Estadio Hidalgo, where they have not won under Jardine's management. Meanwhile, Pachuca will look to leverage their home advantage and recent success against América to secure a spot in the semi-finals.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting the return leg, with both teams needing to adjust their strategies based on this first encounter. The stakes are high, and the intensity is sure to rise as these two teams vie for a place in the Liga MX semi-finals. Will Pachuca's home advantage prove decisive, or can América finally break their Estadio Hidalgo curse? Only time will tell.
