Ciudad de México -
Antonio Valencia scored his first goal with Querétaro on Thursday night, as his team defeated Pachuca 3-1 in the fifth matchday of the Mexican soccer's Guard1anes Clausura 2021 tournament. Fernando Madrigal opened the scoring for Querétaro, Valencia and Uruguayan Kevin Ramírez increased their lead, while Uruguayan Hugo Magallanes scored an own goal for Pachuca.
The 35-year-old Ecuadorian's performance, who has lived up to the expectations generated by his signing, was highlighted by the Mexican sports journalism.
"At the 28th minute, the most anticipated goal by the fans and Queretaro's board arrived. Antonio Valencia scored the 2-0 after a great play that reminded of his glorious years at Manchester United. Valencia stole the ball from Emmanuel García, then went on to face goalkeeper Óscar Ustari, who came forward and was far away from his area, so El Tren was able to shoot with a crossed leg and seal Querétaro's second goal, going into halftime with the advantage," reported the Mexico City newspaper El Universal.
Querétaro, with Toño, reaches three wins in five matches.
The newspaper ESTO published "the bomb signing of Guardianes 2021, Antonio Valencia, scored his first goal with Querétaro's Gallos Blancos in the match against Pachuca. As if it were his best years at Manchester United, he took the ball, dribbled across the pitch, leaving the goalkeeper behind. With an open goal, he finished and increased the lead."
'His best version'
According to the newspaper Excélsior, "Ecuadorian Antonio Valencia showed that his best version is back on the field." However, they mentioned "bad news for Querétaro. At halftime, Jefferson Montero was substituted due to injury and Kevin Ramírez came in," who scored the third goal.
ESPN described the goal by the former Manchester United captain as follows: "Valencia stole the ball from Emmanuel García, who was in the midfield as the last man, headed towards the rival goal at high speed, eluded the goalkeeper Óscar Ustari's exit and, on the move, only used a soft touch to place it for the 2-0." In San Luis Potosí, Fidel Martínez, with a brace, put the home team against the ropes, but in the last play, they equalized 2-2. (D)