Club América Gains Confidence Midweek Ahead of Campeón de Campeones Clash

Club América secured their first three points of the season with a 3–1 win over Club Tijuana at the Estadio Azulcrema. It was the type of performance the team needed, not just for the standings, but for confidence and rhythm ahead of Sunday’s Campeón de Campeones showdown against Toluca. Against a defensive Xolos side, América remained patient, played with purpose, and ultimately got the job done thanks to a strong collective effort and a standout performance from Brian Rodríguez, who netted a brace.

A Win That Means More Than Three Points

This was a must-win in every sense of the word. After last week’s frustrating draw at Juárez, América needed a response. Hosting a compact, defensive Xolos side wasn’t going to be easy, but a win here would not only put them in a better spot on the table, it would boost morale and momentum heading into Sunday’s final.

The game didn’t flow freely at first. Tijuana sat deep and made life difficult, especially for América’s more creative players. Still, Álvaro Fidalgo, Alejandro Zendejas, and Brian Rodríguez found ways to crack the code. The turning point came after an unexpected 15-minute delay due to an electrical storm when the score was level at 1–1. Once the game resumed, América picked up the intensity and took control. It’s hard to say how things would’ve played out without the weather interruption, but what matters most is that they responded — and they won.

Brian Rodríguez Shines on a Stormy Night

When facing a team that parks the bus, moments of individual brilliance become essential. Brian Rodríguez delivered exactly that. The Uruguayan winger looked more comfortable playing wide rather than tucked inside, and that freedom allowed him to express himself. From the opening whistle, he attacked defenders with confidence. While some final passes and crosses missed the mark, the intent was clear.

His first goal came from the penalty spot. His second, however, was a moment of magic. A long switch from Israel Reyes found Rodríguez perfectly in stride. He brought it down with poise, skipped past defenders, and slotted it into the bottom corner. A goal that sealed the win and showcased his quality. When Brian is confident, this América attack reaches another level.

Zúñiga Debuts, but “Buffalo” Aguirre Responds

One of the biggest storylines heading into the match was whether José Zúñiga would debut against his former club. And if he did, how would Rodrigo “Buffalo” Aguirre respond? The answer? With urgency and impact.

Aguirre looked sharper from the start, though he missed several chances throughout the first half. But once Zúñiga entered the match, Aguirre stepped up. Minutes later, he scored a powerful header to give América the lead once again. Competition breeds excellence, and this moment was proof of that. Unfortunately, Aguirre was forced off with an injury, putting his availability for Sunday’s final in question.

What’s Next for América?

The first major challenge of the season is up next: Campeón de Campeones vs Toluca. This match offers more than just a trophy — it’s a shot at revenge for last season’s final loss. The turnaround is quick, but América is no stranger to midweek-to-weekend schedules. Once that match is behind them, they’ll have a short break before taking on Necaxa in Jornada 3.

Next
Next

Club América in Search of Their First Three Points vs Xolos