Club América’s Henry Martín fires a shot at Pumas | OneFootball

Pumas’ attempt to win the first leg off the field (by claiming América used an ineligible player) went nowhere. This Sunday the second leg will officially be played at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario for a spot in the semifinals, with the aggregate score tied 3-3.

After the failed complaint from the Blue and Gold side to Liga MX, the Mexico City Clásico only got even hotter. As if this rivalry needed more gasoline poured on it.

“Shady tactics”

Following the controversy, América captain Henry Martín delivered a pointed message that perfectly sets the stage for what promises to be a fiery showdown on Sunday, where the winner punches its ticket to the semifinals.

“It’s surprising because of the way it happened. Cáceres left with a concussion and a fractured cheekbone, and it’s surprising that you file a complaint over that, that you try to win the match through strange tactics. We don’t agree with it because we fight our hearts out on the field to earn a result, and that’s what should matter,” said the striker.

“América didn’t gain any advantage from the situation. We were worried about Cáceres, everything happened very fast and it’s difficult to control. We hope the second leg is as clean as possible both on and off the field, including the refereeing,” he added.

The América captain also highlighted what a knockout series against the club’s bitter rival truly represents.

“Pride is on the line, and the dream of reaching the semifinals. It’s Pumas, and we know what that means. We owe this fanbase, and what’s at stake is the pride of the institution and the supporters, beyond anything else,” he said.

Pumas’ Response

América is looking to eliminate Pumas on their own turf for just the second time in club history, with 2002 being the only previous occasion they managed to do it.

Meanwhile, over in the Pumas camp, the controversy surrounding the accusation against América definitely didn’t go unnoticed. It was legendary former Real Madrid goalkeeper Keylor Navas who addressed the issue.

“It’s an administrative matter. We’re focused on what actually belongs to us, which is what happens on the field. We’re calm, and nothing should affect us,” the Costa Rican goalkeeper said yesterday.

A draw would be enough to send Pumas through, but the team is far from acting overconfident. They know América — even if they haven’t looked like their usual dominant selves this tournament — remains a dangerous opponent that deserves respect.

“If we had won 4-0 then América would already be dead and wouldn’t even show up on Sunday. Every game has to be played. They have the same chance as we do. We understand clearly what needs to be done to reach the semifinals, and we respect the opponent. We have to work with humility and sacrifice,” Navas added.

América will be without Sebastián Cáceres and Cristian Borja due to injury, while Israel Reyes is also unavailable after joining up with the Mexican national team. Henry Martín is now fully fit, and it will be up to André Jardine whether he starts him from the opening whistle. The same situation applies to Brian Rodríguez, who missed the first leg but has already recovered. Raúl Zúñiga is also absent after suffering a fractured collarbone a few weeks ago.

For Pumas, the absences include Guillermo Martínez, who is away with the Mexican national team, and Alan Medina due to injury.

Pachuca vs Toluca

This series appears to be leaning toward the Tuzos, who stunned the Diablos last weekend by winning 1-0 at the Estadio Nemesio Diez — a venue where Antonio Mohamed’s squad had been riding a 20-match unbeaten streak. A genuine fortress… until Pachuca showed up and kicked the door down.

Ironically, Toluca reminded everyone why they are still the back-to-back Liga MX champions in the middle of the week, when they steamrolled LAFC 4-0 in the second leg of the Champions Cup semifinals.

The reigning Liga MX kings are still very much alive, especially after demolishing the MLS side, though they will be missing two important pieces: Alexis Vega and Jesús Gallardo, both already away with the Mexican national team.

Even though most of the spotlight will naturally shine on Pumas vs América, it’s absolutely worth keeping an eye on what happens in Hidalgo between the two-time defending champions Toluca and the Tuzos, who are trying to pull off a massive upset and knock out the strongest club in Liga MX over the last two seasons.

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