Cellar-dweller clips América’s wings at Azteca
Just two days after a “pep talk” from the club owner, América face-planted against last-place Atlético de San Luis, losing at home for the third straight game.
Coach Santiago Solari’s job security now hangs by a thread, and the dismal performance of the high-priced roster suggests Emilio Azcárraga’s strong words did not have the desired effect.
Elsewhere in Liga MX Matchday 4 action, Pachuca moved into first place momentarily thanks to a comfortable 3-1 win at Necaxa and Tijuana defeated visiting UNAM 1-0.
Clausura 2022 action continues Sunday with three matches: unbeaten Puebla visits Querétaro, Liga MX champs Atlas hosts struggling Santos Laguna, and Mazatlán FC travels to Monterrey to take on the Tigres.
What’s up is down in Liga MX
Back in Mexico City, América will wake up Sunday morning in 16th place with a 0-1-2 record, wondering what happened to its Estadio Azteca mystique. Atlético de San Luis had not even scored in a Liga MX road game since Sept. 26 yet the visiting Tuneros led 3-0 just after the hour mark and held on for its first win of the season.
Coach Solari had a nearly full-strength line-up to work with – all five winter acquisitions were on hand for the first time. Winger Juan Otero and midfielders Alex Zendejas and Jona dos Santos all started, defender Jorge Meré came on for the injured Sebastián Cáceres in minute 31 and top signing Diego Valdés made his América debut in minute 46.
Still, San Luis looked the more dangerous side in the first half despite only having 32% possession. All five of their five shots were on target. If not for three brilliant saves by Guillermo Ochoa …
As it was, the visitors took an early lead when defender Unai Bilbao rose unmolested at the front post and powered a header past Guillermo Ochoa who just moments before had denied Ricardo Sánchez a sure goal from point-blank range.
A defensive error resulted in an easy tap-in goal for Tuneros striker Abel Hernández (his first Liga MX goal to go with 31 Serie A goals and another 36 in England). Last season’s co-scoring champ Germán Berterame made it 3-0 in minute 61.
Miguel Layún was ejected in minute 85, but América didn’t give up the ghost, scoring twice in added time to make the final score respectable.
Up in an Estadio Azteca skybox, new Atlético de San Luis coach André Jardine got his first look at Liga MX fútbol. Jardine just arrived in Mexico on Thursday so Rafael Fernández was the caretaker on the Tuneros’ sideline.
The struggling Aguilas visit Santos Laguna next week, while the Tuneros welcome Toluca to San Luis.
Tijuana 1, Pumas 0
The Xolos – the worst defense in Liga MX last season – shut out this season’s highest-scoring team to claim their first victory of the Clausura 2022. The win lifts Tijuana to 12th place while UNAM falls further off the pace after sitting top of the Liga MX table after the first two matchdays.
In a fast-paced, entertaining affair, the two teams combined for 37 shots (27 for Tijuana) with Pumas goalie Alfredo Talavera making nine saves.
Argentine defender Lisandro López has scored in both games since arriving to Liga MX from Boca Juniors last month. His goal Saturday night was a scything, left-footed volley of a waist-high cross in minute 69.
The host Xolos also bungled a first-half penalty option. Striker Facundo Ferreyra saw his weak effort blocked by Talavera, but the goalie left his line too early and the spot kick was repeated. This time, Ferreyra sent a low shot wide of the left post.
The Liga MX calendar has Tijuana visiting Mazatlán FC next week, while the Pumas host León.
Necaxa 1, Pachuca 3
The Rayos continued their up-and-down Liga MX season with yet another disastrous display at home. Pablo Guede watched his side concede two early goals again (in its last game at Estadio Victoria, Necaxa was routed by visiting Monterrey 4-0) then fritter away the rest of the match.
Romario Ibarra escaped lax marking to knock home a rebound at the back post in minute 4, and Avilés Hurtado stretched the Tuzos’ lead to 2-0 with a spectacular bicycle kick.
The Rayos were given a man advantage when Pachuca midfielder Erick Sánchez was red-carded in minute 21, but failed to generate any offense until late and by then they were trailing 3-0.
Next. Monterrey stunned at Club World Cup. dark
On Matchday 5, Necaxa visits Cruz Azul hoping to replicate the form shown during its previous road game – a 4-1 rout of Santos Laguna, while Pachuca hosts Querétaro.