Club América showcased an impressive scoring performance in their 5-0 victory over Mazatlán, highlighting their offensive potential led by the lethal duo of Henry Martín and Rodrigo Aguirre. With this victory, América not only strengthens their position in the Liga MX standings but also boosts their chances of securing a direct spot in the Liguilla, avoiding the risk of entering the Play In.
After a slow start to the tournament, the Águilas seem determined to regain their top form, eyeing a direct path to the Liguilla and even daring to dream of a third consecutive championship. Their explosive display against Mazatlán sent a clear message to the rest of the league: the reigning champions are back in force.
Breaking Through Mazatlán’s Defense
Mazatlán entered the match as one of the stronger defensive teams in the Apertura 2024, having conceded only 13 goals up until this point. However, América’s attacking front—led by Martín and Aguirre—proved to be too much for the Cañoneros. Despite Mazatlán’s initial resistance, América gradually found their rhythm and dismantled their opponent’s defense with precision.
The turning point came at the 25-minute mark when Brian Rodríguez threaded a perfect pass to Rodrigo Aguirre, who deftly beat Mazatlán goalkeeper Hugo González to the ball. Aguirre’s selfless assist to Henry Martín resulted in the first goal of the night, setting América on the path to a dominant performance.
Dynamic Combinations Fueling América’s Attack
With a newfound confidence, América continued to press forward. Alejandro Zendejas and Brian Rodríguez combined with a series of well-orchestrated passes to tear through Mazatlán’s defense. Zendejas’ clever dummy set up Aguirre, who slotted the ball into the net with precision, making it 2-0. This second goal reinforced América’s momentum, as the Mazatlán defense began to unravel under the relentless pressure.
Mazatlán’s woes continued as they struggled to regain their footing, culminating in a defensive lapse that allowed Brian Rodríguez to head in the third goal of the night. The scoreline at 3-0 reflected América’s complete control of the match.
Tactical Adjustments Fail to Deter América’s Surge
Mazatlán’s manager, Víctor Vucetich, attempted to regain control by introducing Nicolás Benedetti and Rodolfo Pizarro late in the first half. However, these substitutions did little to halt América’s attacking machine. The Águilas struck again through a cross from Cristian Borja, finding Henry Martín in position to secure his second goal of the night, making it 4-0.
Though Mazatlán showed slight improvement in the second half, putting América goalkeeper Luis Malagón under pressure with attempts by Pizarro and Benedetti, América remained largely unchallenged. They capped off the night with a powerful header from Israel Reyes in the closing minutes, bringing the final score to an emphatic 5-0.
América’s Push for a Liguilla Spot
This crucial victory lifts América to 24 points, placing them in a strong position to secure a direct ticket to the Liguilla. By surpassing both Pumas and Atlético San Luis in the standings, the Águilas are on the brink of avoiding the Play In, a goal that once seemed challenging at the season’s start.
With Henry Martín and Rodrigo Aguirre leading the charge, América’s offensive power has made them a formidable contender once again. Their dominant display against Mazatlán reaffirms their intentions not just to reach the Liguilla, but to defend their championship title with renewed vigor. As the tournament progresses, América’s blend of experience and lethal precision could very well pave their path to a historic three-peat.