Pachuca vs América, Liga MX: Los Tuzos crushed Las Águilas

América visited Pachuca at the Estadio Hidalgo for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Liga MX Liguilla, in a series that had the Águilas as the favorites to advance to the semifinals. However, the match started out very favorable for the Tuzos and finally ended in victory for the hosts 3-1.

Those led by Santiago Solari came to the duel after more than a week off, while those led by Paulo Pezzolano had to face reclassification against Chivas of Guadalajara. After eliminating the Rebaño Sagrado, they automatically became a feared rival.

The local team began managing the threads of the match and, after some important plays, they transformed a corner into a goal. Erick Aguirre jumped higher than the entire American defense and connected the ball with his head to advance Pachuca averaging the first half.

America didn'tt lower his arms and, in those first 45 minutes, found the tie. Leonardo Suárez adopted the ability of his compatriot Lionel Messi for a second and, like Barcelona's 10, faced the center from the right and from his left leg a guided missile came out that broke Óscar Ustari's gloves.

When America seemed like it could turn the scoreboard, Pezzolano's men won again. After an overflow through the right sector of Romario Ibarra and later center, Roberto de la Rosa was in charge of a subtle touch that dislodged the entire visiting defense. The ball was served to Felipe Pardo, who lit the fuse and the bomb exploded inside Guillermo Ochoa's goal.

When things seemed like they couldn't get any worse for Coapa, two more things happened. Pedro Aquino left the plate in a divided play and, consequently, ended up being sent off, which is why he will miss the second leg of the quarterfinals by Liguilla. To make matters worse, Luis Chávez put the third for Pachuca on the end. Next Sunday, at the Azteca Stadium, América will look for a ticket to the semifinals, having to overcome two goals.