The Águilas solidified their position by defeating Toluca 2-0 at their home ground, advancing confidently in the Liga MX playoffs.
In a decisive match held at Estadio Nemesio Diez, América showcased their dominant performance, effectively eliminating the Diablos Rojos with a comprehensive 4-0 aggregate score in the quarterfinals. From the very beginning, the local team aimed to score two goals in front of their supporters, showing attacking intent from the start. However, they struggled to find the back of the net, a consistent issue that plagued them throughout the playoff series against América.
Key players Paulinho and Marcel Ruiz missed several crucial opportunities, with Ruiz’s night taking a turn for the worse when he inadvertently scored an own goal, marking the beginning of the end for the scarlet team.
América, led by the savvy Andrés Jardine, executed a well-planned strategy to thwart Toluca’s advances, particularly through the impressive goalkeeping of Luis Ángel Malagón, who made several critical saves.
The turning point came early in the second half, as Marcel Ruiz attempted to deflect a low-cross into the box but ended up directing it into his own net, giving América a 1-0 lead. The atmosphere shifted, and the now demoralized Diablos Rojos were unable to recover. Henry Martín capitalized on a series of rebounds in the penalty area, sealing the game and the series with a second goal, thereby securing their spot in the semifinals.
This resounding victory not only underscores America’s strength but also sends a clear message to the remaining teams in the Apertura 2024 Liguilla. The performance has reignited hopes among América fans for a potential third consecutive championship win.
Overall, America’s triumph serves as a reminder of their prowess in the league, as they continue to build momentum heading into the later stages of the playoff, making them a formidable contender.