Preview: Club América vs Tijuana & Campeón de Campeones
Disappointing Start, Transfer Buzz, and Two Crucial Matchups Ahead
It’s been a chaotic but critical week in Coapa.
Club América opened their season with a frustrating 1–1 draw against FC Juárez. While it’s only the first match of the campaign, the performance raised some serious red flags. In this episode of The Eagle Eye Podcast, Ivan and AJ break down exactly what went wrong and why fans are right to be concerned—even this early. The guys also dissect the latest transfer activity, preview two pivotal matchups (vs Xolos and the Campeón de Campeones vs Toluca), and close with praise for América Femenil’s winning start.
A Frustrating Draw to Start the Season
Las Águilas were far from convincing in their season opener. Missing key starters like Malagón, Fidalgo, Henry Martín, and Israel Reyes, América still fielded a strong enough lineup to beat Juárez—but lacked rhythm, urgency, and cohesion.
“This was a game of pure frustration,” Ivan explains. “A lot of missed passes, missed runs, miscommunication… You just expected more from a squad that knows each other this well.”
AJ added that the team looked flat in the final third and far too dependent on Zendejas and Brian Rodriguez to carry the attacking load. With Chiquito Sánchez getting sent off and Fidalgo picking up an injury shortly after coming on, América’s midfield was completely overrun. It’s early—but the issues felt eerily familiar to problems that haunted the team last season.
Formation Choices & Defensive Doubts
Jardine’s decision to line up with a back five caught fans off guard. The experiment saw Cristian Borja deployed as a left center back—raising questions about his role and why younger players like Miguel Vásquez were left out. While Igor Lichnovsky looked strong on his return, the rest of the defense struggled at times, and the midfield lacked both balance and creativity.
“It felt like kickball football,” AJ said. “Just boot it and hope Brian or Zendejas can do something.”
With only two central midfielders and no Fidalgo, América lacked the control and connection needed to build meaningful possession. Ivan emphasized that while it’s still early in the season, the team has too much continuity to be this disjointed in jornada uno.
Transfer Market Heats Up
After a slow start to the summer window, América finally confirmed their third signing: José “La Pantera” Zúñiga, the 31-year-old Colombian striker from Xolos. His arrival gives América a much-needed option up front and provides competition for Henry Martín and Jonathan “Buffalo” Aguirre.
“Maybe it’s not the big-name striker fans wanted,” AJ acknowledged. “But he’s been scoring goals. He’s earned his shot.”
Ivan raised valid concerns about the club’s trend of signing players over 30, especially with rumors swirling around Guido Rodríguez and Denis Bouanga. While those are big names, they don’t represent long-term solutions.
“We talk about building an equipo de época… but are these players going to carry us for the next 5–6 years?”
The duo agreed: reinforcements are needed, but smart signings with longevity must be the priority.
Must-Win vs Xolos
Wednesday’s matchup against Tijuana might not be a six-pointer, but it’s a must-win if América want to restore confidence and momentum ahead of Sunday’s final. Xolos arrive in good form, but América plays at home and could welcome back several key players.
Ivan and AJ project a return to the back five, with Igor, Cáceres, and Israel Reyes holding the line. Alexis Gutiérrez is expected to get the nod in midfield, and the front three should remain Zendejas, Brian, and Buffalo—unless Zúñiga makes his debut.
“Buffalo needs to convert his chances,” Ivan insists. “Because now he’s got real competition on the bench.”
Score predictions:
AJ: 2–0 América (clean sheet confidence)
Ivan: 3–0 América (front three to shine)
Campeón de Campeones: Time for Revenge
The marquee matchup of the week is Sunday’s Campeón de Campeones final vs Toluca. It’s more than a trophy—it’s a shot at redemption after the crushing Liga MX Final defeat just two months ago.
“They took history from us,” Ivan says. “Now it’s time to take something from them.”
With players like Fidalgo, Malagón, and possibly Henry Martín expected to return, América will be closer to full strength. The match will be played at Dignity Health Sports Park in Los Angeles, where América has enjoyed success in past finals. Ivan and AJ agree: this is a massive opportunity to reset the narrative and set the tone for the season.
“This isn’t just a glorified friendly,” Ivan emphasizes. “It’s a trophy. It’s bragging rights. And it’s about pride.”
Score predictions:
AJ: 2–1 América
Ivan: 2–0 América
América Femenil Start With a Win
On the women’s side, Las Águilas began their season with a solid 2–1 win over Cruz Azul Femenil. Despite missing key players, the team showed grit and determination. Kiana Palacios and Scarlett Camberos scored the goals, while goalkeeper Itzel González was the standout with a game-saving performance.
“It was a gritty, not-so-pretty win,” Ivan said, “but the ladies showed character and got the job done.”
AJ also highlighted that this season is make-or-break: “Please, let this be the year we lift the third trophy. We’ve been dreaming long enough.”
Listen to the Full Episode
Want the full tactical breakdown, transfer talk, and unfiltered Club América insight? Catch the full episode now:
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