Pachuca, Club America face off in must win encounter

MIAMI – CF Pachuca hosts Club America in the second leg of their 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal series on Tuesday at Estadio Hidalgo in Hidalgo, Pachuca, Mexico.

The two Liga MX sides traded goals in the first leg at the Estadio Azteca. Alejandro Zendejas struck first in the 12’ before Andres Micolta equalized in the 40’, leaving everything to play for in the second encounter.

Micolta was also influential in his primary role as a central defender. The Ecuadorian provided two ball recoveries and key blocks to preserve the tie as the Tuzos return to its home field.

Other players to watch for Pachuca are striker Salomon Rondon, who leads the Golden Boot race with seven goals. Oussama Idrissi leads the team with five CCC assists, including the assist to Micolta’s header off a free kick in the first leg.

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Alejandro Zendejas’ goal brought his tally to five to tie Martin Zuñiga among Mexican scorers in club history. Zendejas leads the team in CCC but the Pachuca defense will have to be mindful of America’s offensive riches in Henry Martin, Julian Quiñones, Brian Rodriguez and Diego Valdes, all who have scored at least twice in the current campaign.

Club America is the team with the most goals scored in the 2024 edition with 18, and is one goal away from equaling their best mark of 19 during their title-winning 2015-16 season. Las Águilas have not lost a Concacaf semifinal against a Mexican rival since 2003.

Pachuca has not lost a Concacaf match at home since 2001 and has advanced eight of nine times when drawing away in the first leg. The club also holds an undefeated streak of 10 CCC matches (W5, D5), the best active streak following Monterrey’s defeat at Columbus.

The draw in the first leg means there must be a winner to decide a finalist. A tie in regulation would trigger extra time. If the teams are still deadlocked, then a penalty shootout will decide who advances to the June 2 final.

CF Pachuca (MEX) vs Club America (MEX) 

REF:       DREW FISCHER (Canada)  

AR1:       MICHEAL BARWEGEN (Canada) 

AR2:       LYES ARFA (Canada) 

4TH:       PIERRE-LUC LAUZIÈRE (Canada) 

VAR:       EDVIN JURISEVIC (USA) 

VAR1:    CHRIS PENSO (USA)