América routs Pumas in one-sided Capital Classic

And then there were none.

América eased past UNAM to claim the “Clásico Capitalino” and extend the club’s dominance in the Mexico City derby (44 wins, 47 ties and only 30 losses). The 3-0 victory lifted the Aguilas from 16th to ninth place in the Liga MX table, pending Sunday’s results.

The Pumas were handed their first setback of the season, but their 1-5-1 record has them floundering in 12th place.

Earlier Saturday, Mazatlán FC stunned the Camp Nou faithful, scoring three first-half goals against León and cruising to a 3-0 win to climb into 10th place, one spot ahead of the slumping Esmeraldas.

No undefeated clubs in Liga MX

UNAM welcomed bitter rivals América to the CU Saturday evening, hoping to erase the bitter taste of its 6-0 loss at Barcelona last Sunday. Instead, “los Auriazules” were embarrassed in front of a sellout crowd at home.

The Pumas struggled to string together passes and were outshot 19-10, the outcome made less onerous by Julio González’s six saves. UNAM only managed to get two shots on target neither of which required Memo Ochoa to extend himself.

A Dani Alvez turnover in minute 38 led to a quick América counter led by Alex Zendejas whose lead pass to Henry Martín allowed the red-hot striker to chip the onrushing González. Martín’s shot clanged off the crossbar right to Diego Valdés who blasted the bouncing ball into the back of the net.

“Los AzulCremas” extended their lead in minute 57 when Martín fed “Cabecita” Rodríguez and the two-time Liga MX scoring chance raced into the box before left-footing a shot inside the far post.

In minute 78, Zendejas was first to a loose ball, controlled it into the box then fired a low shot past González to make it 3-0.

The victory takes considerable pressure off coach Fernando Ortiz as the Aguilas head into next Wednesday’s showdown against Pachuca, last season’s losing finalist and the club that eliminated América in the Liga MX semifinals.