The Eagles defeated the Rayos with goals from Diego Valdés, Brian Rodríguez, and Julián Quiñones at Estadio Azteca
MEXICO CITY -- America returned to the path of victory after defeating Necaxa 3-2 at Estadio Azteca, a result that propels them to fifth place in the Apertura 2023 and gives a boost to the criticized André Jardine.
Both teams came out with an offensive mentality, and this became clear just three minutes into the game when the Rayos struck first with a play from the left side in which Agustín Oliveros crossed the ball into the box for Facundo Batista, who won the position against Emilio Lara and scored with a header, giving the surprising 1-0 lead to the team from Aguascalientes.
The azulcrema responded immediately. Julián Quiñones retained the ball, passed it to Diego Valdés, and the Chilean midfielder took a long shot. In the back, Luis Unsain made a sensational save, pushing the ball out for a corner kick:
The main attacking strategy for the azulcrema was the duo of Alejandro Zendejas and Kevin Álvarez. The member of the United States national team deceived the defense and took a long shot, which hit the crossbar, leaving him frustrated with the missed opportunity.
America created more danger with vertical plays and speed, and it was precisely in one of those plays that they found the equalizer in the 23rd minute. Israel Reyes played a deep ball for Alejandro Zendejas, who rescued the ball with a cross into the box that found Valdés for a first-time finish that beat the Necaxa goalkeeper.
With the score tied, America generated more danger in the opponent's area, causing Necaxa to retreat and give up the attack for the rest of the first half.
With 31 minutes on the clock, the azulcrema struck again. Alejandro Zendejas became the most influential player for America, and in a play through the middle of the field, he found Brian Rodríguez, who entered the box and scored with his left foot, giving his team the lead.
In the final minutes of the first half, Julián Quiñones came close to scoring the third goal for his team. The Colombian forward received a lobbed pass from Diego Valdés, but his attempt hit the post, missing the most important opportunity of the first half.
America had a better start to the second half, but once again, lack of concentration came into play. A cross from the left side allowed Facundo Batista to be left unmarked at the far post, where he scored freely against Malagón, who managed to touch the ball but couldn't prevent the goal, making it 2-2 for just a few seconds.
Julián Quiñones secured the victory for Club América when the Necaxa goalkeeper made a mistake that led to the rival's third goal. During a corner kick, the goalkeeper mishandled the ball, leaving it within Quiñones' reach inside the six-yard box, allowing him to simply tap it into the back of the net.
America endured the final stretch of the match but ultimately took home three points, placing them in fifth position in the table.