América Stalls at 28 Points After Rotating Squad Drops Home Match
Guillermo Almada fielded a backup lineup that lost control of the first half, leaving Cruz Azul within four points.
By Jason Kovalenko ·
Club América failed to extend its lead in the Liga MX standings after drawing 1-1 with Tijuana on Wednesday. The result leaves the Eagles at 28 points, a number that has not changed since their recent home defeat to Pachuca. This is the second consecutive match in which the team failed to win on its own turf.
Coach Guillermo Almada made sweeping tactical changes for the fixture, which was played on an unusual date because América missed its original slot in September due to Leagues Cup commitments. Instead of his regular starters, Almada deployed a nearly entirely alternative squad. The starting lineup included players with limited recent playing time, such as Alexis Gutiérrez, Ramón Juárez, and Miguel Vázquez. Newcomer Derek Jiménez also started, alongside Dagoberto Espinoza and Alan Cervantes.
The Tijuana team, which trails América in the league table, controlled the first half. The visitors took advantage of the lack of coordination in the American squad to dominate possession. The Eagles failed to organize their play during this period, allowing Tijuana to dictate the tempo of the match.
Almada responded in the second half by introducing several key players. Colombian striker Óscar Perea entered the game, along with Brian Rodríguez, Carlos Álvarez, Kevin Álvarez, and Erick Sánchez. These substitutions aimed to restore order and create scoring chances. However, the team could not overcome the deficit in time, and the score remained unchanged until the final whistle.
Notable omissions from the matchday roster included midfielder Israel Reyes and top scorer Henry Martín, who did not see any playing time. Starting goalkeeper Luis Malagón was not even listed on the bench, a detail that has raised questions within the club about squad management and locker room dynamics.
For Tijuana, the draw was secured by strong defensive efforts. Goalkeeper José Antonio Rodríguez made key saves to keep the score tight. Forward Gilberto Mora returned to the lineup after an absence and contributed to the team's effort to hold the lead late in the game.
The draw reduces América's advantage over Cruz Azul, its closest rival in the general standings. Cruz Azul now trails by only four points. América faces Toluca on Saturday, October 31, in its next match. A win would be necessary to regain a larger cushion before the final stages of the tournament.
