America, the Current Mexican Football Champions, Advance to Semifinals
America, the reigning champions of Mexican football, secured their spot in the semifinals of the Clausura 2025 tournament after defeating Pachuca 2-0 in the series finale. The team, known as “Águilas,” achieved a global score of 2-0 following a goalless draw in the first leg as visitors.
The Match Details
The decisive match took place at the Ciudad de los Deportes stadium in Mexico City. Pachuca nearly scored in the 13th minute when Alan Bautista’s shot hit the crossbar after a deflection by goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón.
America took the lead in the 16th minute with a cross from Alejandro Zendejas, who scored after a defensive rebound.
Zendejas completed his brace in the 27th minute with a volley inside the area following a center from Kevin Álvarez on the right side.
At halftime, Pachuca suffered the red card ejection of Dutch forward Oussama Idrissi after committing a harsh foul on Chilean player Víctor Dávila.
Pachuca nearly scored again in the 75th minute, with a shot hitting the right post. In stoppage time, America had a chance for a third goal via a penalty kick, but Uruguayan Rodrigo Aguirre’s attempt struck the crossbar at the 93rd minute.
Toluca Becomes the First Semifinalist
Earlier, Toluca became the first semifinalist after securing a 2-1 victory over Monterrey, resulting in a global score of 4-4. They advanced due to their superior league position after the 17-game regular season.
Toluca finished as league leaders with 37 points, while Monterrey placed eighth with 28 points.
The match in Toluca’s home stadium saw the Brazilian forward Helio Nunes (“Helinho”) receive a red card for a severe foul on Gerardo Arteaga at the 21st minute.
Despite being a man down, Toluca took the lead in the 30th minute when Alexis Vega outmaneuvered three opponents and scored after controlling a long clearance by goalkeeper Luis García.
Monterrey equalized in the 48th minute when Roberto de la Rosa’s shot from outside the area found the corner, deflected by a defender.
Toluca sealed their win in the 68th minute with a header from Portuguese player Paulinho on a left-sided corner kick.
“The team played with heart, courage, and overcame difficulties to secure this victory against such a prestigious rival. We’re in the semifinals, and we want to keep going as far as possible,” said Toluca’s head coach, Argentine Antonio Mohamed.
The remaining two semifinalists will be determined on Sunday when the series between Cruz Azul-León and Tigres UANL-Necaxa conclude.
In the first legs, Cruz Azul won 3-2 while Tigres and Necaxa drew goalless.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are America and Toluca? America, also known as “Águilas,” are the current Mexican football champions. Toluca, or “Diablos Rojos,” are one of Mexico’s most successful football clubs.
- Why are these teams relevant? Both America and Toluca are prominent forces in Mexican football, with multiple league titles and a strong fanbase. Their advancement to the semifinals highlights their consistent performance and competitiveness.
- How did America defeat Pachuca? America won the series finale 2-0, with Alejandro Zendejas scoring both goals. Pachuca nearly scored twice but was unsuccessful.
- How did Toluca become the first semifinalist? Despite playing with a man down for part of the match, Toluca defeated Monterrey 2-1. Their superior league position secured their spot in the semifinals.
