The match for a spot in the semifinals will be played next week at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario
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Alejandro Zendejas missed two clear scoring chances Cruz Azul goal disallowed due to offsideAmérica’s players know importance of keeping a clean sheetFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱Getty Images SportWHAT HAPPENED?
América knows they had the chance to secure a better result in the first leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals against Cruz Azul. Two clear missed opportunities from Alejandro Zendejas and a late shot from Álvaro Fidalgo that narrowly missed the target prevented Las Águilas from taking the victory at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.
Despite keeping a clean sheet at home – an important factor due to the tournament's away goal rule – André Jardine appeared frustrated, saying after the match: "Keeping a clean sheet was key to bringing us closer to victory and qualification. I also knew we needed to score at least one goal. The plan was to take the lead, and we didn’t achieve that. The match leaves me with a frustrating feeling because we created the clearest chances but lacked finishing in crucial moments."
Despite América’s clear superiority in the first leg, Jardine knows that the second leg will be a completely different challenge. Las Águilas won’t rely on what happened in the first match and are well aware that Cruz Azul will come out looking for the win.
"The second leg is a different game; you can't base it on this one. You have to understand that the opponent might approach it differently, and Cruz Azul will come with more intensity. It's not a simple task because they are a team with a well-defined style."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
América and Cruz Azul left everything to be decided in the second leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals. Las Águilas left their stadium with a bittersweet feeling after failing to secure a victory in the first leg, while Cruz Azul’s coach, Vicente Sánchez, confidently said that his team will settle the series next Tuesday in front of their home fans.
"I want to congratulate the players for their effort and humility on the field. This is a 180-minute series, a home-and-away battle. The two most successful teams in the 'Concachampions' faced off, and the series will be decided at home," Sánchez said.
Getty Images SportWHAT AMERICA PLAYERS SAID
América’s players spoke about their lack of finishing in the match against Cruz Azul, a factor that left them disappointed. However, they also acknowledged the team’s defensive solidity in keeping a clean sheet.
"It's a war, just like our recent matches against them. I think they have great quality and a good coach," said goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
Defender Israel Reyes shared his thoughts: "Obviously, not conceding a goal is very important for the next match. That’s how it played out, and that’s the positive takeaway."
Academy product Ramón Juárez said he regretted the missed scoring chances but highlighted the defense’s effort in preventing an away goal. "I’m happy. I think keeping a clean sheet is crucial, and as I always say, it’s a team effort – we all run, we all fight. We have to keep it up."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA?
Las Águilas will have a recovery session following their match against Cruz Azul, while Jardine and his coaching staff have already begun preparations for Saturday’s clash against Pachuca in Matchday 14 of the Clausura 2025.
The Brazilian coach is likely to make some rotations in the lineup against the Tuzos, as América has already secured its spot in the Liguilla. Additionally, they will face Cruz Azul again next Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions Cup quarterfinals.
