Club America (pictured) celebrates after Oribe Peralta's goal in a Liga MX Clausura win over visiting Cruz Azul on April 4, 2015, in Mexico City. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY -- Club America should be in a confident mood for Wednesday’s Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League (SCCL) semifinal, second-leg visit from Herediano thanks to a 1-0 Liga MX win at home against Cruz Azul on Saturday.
In a game that produced six yellow cards – two for the host -- Oribe Peralta’s 48th minute strike proved to be the difference.
The triumph over last year’s SCCL champion was perfectly timed, especially considering Club America were coming off a 4-0 loss at Veracruz in their previous domestic outing. Prior to that setback, the Aguilas fell 3-0 to Herediano, a result that will require a significant reversal at the Estadio Azteca if a place in the final is to be achieved.
“We must continue to be cautious,” said Club America head coach Gustavo Matosas. “The team is improving. Fortunately, after the victory today against Cruz Azul, we stay at home. The idea is to keep on working for Wednesday’s match."
Two straight shutout losses during a key portion of the season has the potential to send any team into a tailspin. Matosas, however, believes that the ship is back on course.
“I’m happy to see all of the excellent players, who today have gotten a great victory,” the former Uruguay international remarked. “With the attitude demonstrated by the players, America is very close to where we want it to be.
“The players had a very intense week where there have been very good conversations. The ranks are closed and the team is pointing for the same place.”
The 47-year-old also made a point to praise the Club America fans for their backing.
“It is a reunion with the fans, a return to the belief in America’s character,” Matosas finished. “One must be grateful for the support.”
Club America has not won the CONCACAF club title since 2006, when it outlasted Toluca 2-1 on aggregate in the two-legged final.
