América Secures Victory Against Atlas, Yet Room for Improvement Remains

Despite Club América’s triumphant win, the analysts from Futbol Picante are discussing the weaknesses that head coach André Jardine’s team could still improve. The Eagles claimed dominance at Estadio Jalisco with Rodrigo Aguirre delivering a double to ascend the Liga MX leaderboard. América returned to Guadalajara shortly after their face-off with Chivas in the CONCACAF, where they defeated Atlas 3-1. The Eagles showcased their scoring prowess, particularly in the second half, with standout performances from Rodrigo Aguirre and Erick Sánchez, both contributing goals and assists.

Atlas aimed to take control of the scoreboard early on, with Matheus Doria nearly scoring a spectacular goal. After a sequence of rebounds within the area, the center back made an attempt with his heel, only to be thwarted by Ramón Juárez on the goal line at the 3rd minute. Before hitting the 10-minute mark, Uros ‘Djuka’ Djurdjevic had a couple of chances within the box but was off-target, with his shots posing little threat.

América took 20 minutes to respond, with Brian Rodríguez setting up Kevin Álvarez, who struck from outside the area. However, Camilo Vargas was up to the task, deflecting the ball. Moments later, Álvaro Fidalgo unexpectedly appeared, shooting just wide of the opposing goal. As the first half wound down, the match transformed into an exciting end-to-end encounter. Atlas again neared their rival’s goal with a pass from Djuka to Eduardo Aguirre, whose shot hit the side netting. The last first-half opportunity belonged to Erick Sánchez, who encountered a rebound at the top of the area. His long-range effort clanged off the left post.

At the beginning of the second half, América took the lead. Erick Sánchez brought clarity to the Eagles’ play at the 46th minute with a through ball to Rodrigo Aguirre. The Uruguayan faced Camilo Vargas head-on and coolly scored to break the deadlock. América maintained pressure, extending their advantage by the 49th minute when Erick Sánchez again shone with a through ball that left Cristian Calderón unmarked. Calderón finished flawlessly, leaving Camilo’s attempt in vain as the ball kissed the back of the net.

Atlas rallied after conceding two early second-half goals, narrowing the gap with a stunning strike from Djuka. Receiving a backward pass from Jeremy Márquez, Djuka turned and fired from outside the area, sending the ball into the top corner at the 65th minute. Just when Atlas appeared poised for a comeback, América’s strength resurfaced. Off a set piece, Rodrigo Aguirre completed his brace at the 74th minute, after Ramón Juárez flicked the ball into his path, sealing the victory on Jalisco’s pitch.

Ángel Malagón made significant contributions in the final stages of the match, stopping three attempts from Atlas who were seeking another goal. América will enter the FIFA break as the Clausura 2025 leaders with 27 points, holding a one-point advantage over León. The Eagles are set to return to action in Jornada 13 hosting Tigres. Meanwhile, Atlas’ winning streak came to an end, and they plan to engage in a couple of friendly matches in the United States during the league’s hiatus.