America flexes its muscles with a goal-filled victory

America shows its strength, displays its resources, and reaffirms its leadership through goals. If someone comes to challenge Azteca, they don't shy away, they engage in an exchange of blows and are capable of overcoming their own mistakes. Their depth allows them to find solutions to adversity. The 4-3 win against Santos puts them on a direct path to the Liguilla.

Yes, what happened at Azteca was one of those enjoyable matches, filled with goals, with two teams that sought to attack, that had their successes and mistakes, that didn't back down and held onto their convictions. Football from north to south.

For America, it was an exercise in persistence because they found themselves in an uncomfortable situation. A mistake by Luis Malagon in the first minute of the match put the Águilas on the back foot. The goalkeeper failed to save Bruneta's free kick, a routine save that turned into a gross error.

But if there's one thing Coapa has, it's the raw material to overcome these types of situations. It was a good test for the league leaders. If they already had to deal with the absence of Diego Valdés - their best player in the tournament - now they also had to come from behind.

And, as expected, America didn't back down, absorbed the blow, and went for the equalizer using the same attributes that have propelled them to the top of the league, with good play, seeking from the center and the wings, with a well-crafted plan and alternatives. And with that game plan, the equalizer didn't take long.

Kevin's cross was met by Henry in the box, the forward made a great leap and headed the ball, which arched leaving Acevedo with no chance. It was only 13 minutes into the game and there were already two goals. The best part was that the game didn't lose intensity. America maintained the pace, while Santos retreated slightly. Fidalgo projected Quiñones, the new comrade failed in the finish, but didn't stop fighting for the ball and played it to let Cabecita push it in. The leader's strength appeared.

Errors and more goals

There was good football at Azteca and more was to come because Santos didn't back down. They took a step forward and took advantage of Fidalgo's mistake in the build-up. Bruneta played the ball to Harold Preciado who scored the equalizer. The errors of the Azulcremas were having a direct impact and once again they had to go on the attack. A match of good tone and rhythm.

Quiñones missed the third goal due to poor finishing and Acevedo saved a free kick from Suárez. America pressed and Santos tightened their jaws. And before halftime, Quiñones once again took a shot that seemed like another lost opportunity, but Ronaldo Prieto blocked it with his hand. A penalty that the new Mexican striker converted to defeat Acevedo.

The second half continued with the same tone, again with successes and mistakes. Cabecita failed again in a clearance, Aquino assisted Emerson and the Colombian unleashed a great goal, controlling the ball, turning, and shooting it near the top corner. It was 3-3 in the 51st minute.

Back and forth, because America needed to go for the victory and Santos fought back with courage. Henry and Cabecita had the fourth goal within their reach, but they lacked a bit of efficiency in their shots. Santos scored, but Preciado was offside.

The end of the match was intense, like Russian roulette, and the winning shot came from Alejandro Zendejas, the substitute midfielder who was brought on to make a difference and fulfilled his task. He received the ball from Richard at the edge of the box and took a soft shot, but with a great touch, he beat Acevedo. America is an undisputed leader because of the strength they show in attack, even without Diego Valdés.