América Stalls at 28 Points After Tactical Experiment Ends in Home Draw
The Club América squad fell to a 1-1 tie with Xolos Tijuana, handing rivals a chance to close the gap before Saturday's match against Toluca.
By Gabriela Ivanov ·
América lost its second consecutive home game after drawing 1-1 with Xolos Tijuana on Wednesday.
The Club América side finished with 28 points in the overall standings. This total remains unchanged from before the match. The result allows Cruz Azul, the closest rival, to reduce the point difference. Cruz Azul currently trails by four points. The next match for América is scheduled for Saturday, October 31, against Toluca.
Manager Guillermo Almada fielded a lineup composed largely of players with limited recent playing time. The starting eleven included Alexis Gutiérrez, Ramón Juárez, Miguel Vázquez, and rookie Derek Jiménez. Dagoberto Espinoza and Alan Cervantes also started the match. These selections marked a significant departure from the usual starting roster.
The decision to use the alternate squad left out key starters. Israel Reyes and top scorer Henry Martín remained on the bench for the entire match. Starting goalkeeper Luis Malagón did not appear in the team's uniform on the sidelines. The absence of the regular goalkeeping option raised questions within the club about the lineup selection.
Xolos Tijuana controlled the first half due to the lack of cohesion in the América defense. The visitors dominated possession during that period. Almada responded in the second half by introducing Óscar Perea, Brian Rodríguez, Carlos Álvarez, Kevin Álvarez, and Erick Sánchez. These changes aimed to restore order but failed to secure a win.
The match took place on an unusual date because of calendar disruptions in September. América had played in the final rounds of the Leagues Cup during that month. The rescheduled fixture was intended to provide a buffer in the standings. The plan to create a four-point lead over Cruz Azul collapsed on the field.
Xolos goalkeeper José Antonio Rodríguez played a key role in limiting América's scoring chances. The team also featured the return of Gilberto Mora. Mora contributed to the defensive structure that helped secure the draw. The result stands as a loss of two potential points for the home side.
The draw leaves the top of the table closely contested as the league approaches its final phase. América must now face Toluca in a critical fixture. The outcome of that match will determine whether América can maintain its position ahead of its direct competitors.
