América makes a comeback and advances to the grand final of Clausura 2025

The Águilas del América pulled off a thrilling comeback against Cruz Azul in the second leg of the Clausura 2025 semifinals, securing a 2-1 victory at the Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes and booking their place in the grand final of Mexican soccer.

The match was packed with intensity and relentless effort from both teams. Cruz Azul took the lead in the 56th minute with a goal by Lorenzo Faravelli, but América responded swiftly. At 65’, Henry Martín leveled the score with a penalty, and at 78’, Cristian Borja netted the winning goal in a play that sparked controversy.

The goal of discord: bad throw-in and possible foul?

América’s second goal, which sealed the match, has been heavily scrutinized by analysts and former referees. The play began with a throw-in by Rodrigo Aguirre, which, according to replays, was improperly executed, meaning the action should have been invalidated. In the same sequence, Aguirre allegedly committed a foul on Chiquete Orozco, which also went unpunished by central referee Víctor Cáceres.

One of the most vocal critics was former referee Francisco Chacón, who took to social media to argue that the goal should have been disallowed:

“The goal was flawed from the throw-in. Cáceres was not the right referee for this type of match. He was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the game.”

What frustrated fans the most was that neither the referee, nor the assistant referee, nor the VAR stepped in to review the play, reigniting the debate over the officiating level in Liga MX and the application of technology in crucial matches.

América chases glory and the four-peat

Despite the controversy, América continues to dominate Mexican soccer. With this victory, coach André Jardine’s squad advances to its fourth consecutive final, an unprecedented feat in club history.

If América wins the title, they will become the first four-time champion under the short tournament format, cementing their supremacy in Liga MX. While América’s fans celebrate another trip to the final, Cruz Azul’s supporters are left heartbroken once more after falling to their longtime rival in a knockout stage.

América now sets its sights on Toluca, seeking to etch their name in history and reaffirm their dominance in Mexican soccer.