When Club América stepped onto Estadio Azteca for Liga MX Apertura 2025 Matchday 14Mexico City, the atmosphere was electric. In the same breath, Club Puebla arrived hungry after a string of defeats. The first‑half whistle blew at 01:00 UTC, and both sides settled into tactical formations that promised fireworks. By the time the clock hit 90'+8, the scoreboard read 1‑1, courtesy of a late strike by Ramón Juárez. The draw kept América glued to third place while Puebla lingered at the bottom.
Historical Context and What the Numbers Say
These two clubs have tangled 44 times in official competition. Club América enjoys a comfortable lead: 23 home wins, 6 away victories for Puebla, and 15 draws. Goal‑wise, América has netted 82 against Puebla’s 49, averaging nearly three goals per encounter. The most recent face‑off on 8 February 2025 ended 2‑1 for Puebla, but América held 59 % of possession. That odd‑smell of revenge lingered into Wednesday’s clash.
Line‑ups and Early Tactics
América’s starting eleven featured Ángel Malagón guarding the net, while the backline of Miguel Vázquez, Israel Reyes, Cristian Borja and Kevin Álvarez kept it compact. In midfield, the creative spark came from Brian Rodríguez and French play‑maker Allan Saint‑Maximin. Up front, forwards Rodrigo Aguirre and Álexis Gutiérrez were tasked with stretching Puebla’s defence.
Puebla answered with a back‑four of veteran centre‑backs and a midfield anchored by Raúl Castillo. The lone striker, Emiliano Gómez, had a point to prove after a woeful run of matches.
Key Moments: Goals, Penalties, and Late Drama
First‑half silence prevailed – the teams traded possession without breaking the deadlock. The referee added three minutes of stoppage time, but still, the net stayed empty.
At the 52‑minute mark, Puebla seized the initiative. Emiliano Gómez slipped past Malagón’s outstretched arm and tucked the ball home. The crowd’s roar was a mix of surprise and admiration for the striker’s poise.
Just fifteen minutes later, América earned a penalty after a clumsy tackle on Rodríguez. The Colombian‑born midfielder stepped up at 67 minutes, slotted the spot‑kick into the bottom corner, and equalised. The drama didn’t stop there.
Stoppage time became a carousel of fouls and substitutions. Castillo received a card at 90'+1, then another reckless challenge at 90'+2. América’s coach rattled off a double change: Ramón Juárez entered for Álvarez, and Julián Cortés replaced Gómez.
At 90'+8, Juárez struck a low drive from the edge of the box that beat Malagón. The stadium erupted – a last‑gasp equaliser that felt like a movie’s climax. The final whistle confirmed a 1‑1 draw.
Player Performances That Stood Out
Ramón Juárez entered cold but delivered the decisive blow. His composure in the dying seconds underscored why América’s bench is considered one of the best in Liga MX.
Brian Rodríguez’s penalty conversion was textbook, but his overall play was equally valuable: he covered ground, linked the midfield to attack, and forced Puebla to press higher.
Emiliano Gómez, despite the loss, earned plaudits for his clinical finish and work rate. The goal was perhaps his biggest of the season and a reminder that Puebla’s attack still has bite.
Goalkeeper Ángel Malagón made several fine saves, especially in the second half, keeping América in the game. His reflexes earned him a modest rating, but the late concession was a bitter pill.
Impact on the Table and What It Means for Both Clubs
América’s third‑place cushion remains intact with 30 points from 14 games (9‑3‑2). The draw keeps them within striking distance of the top two spots, especially with the upcoming showdown against Tigres UANL.
Puebla, however, stays rooted at the foot of the table, holding just eight points. The draw halts a two‑game losing streak, but the club still faces relegation‑playoff danger. Their next fixture against Club León will be a must‑win if they hope to climb out of the abyss.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Fixtures and Stakes
Matchday 15 for América pits them against the defending champions, Cruz Azul, at the iconic Estadio Azteca. A win could catapult them into the top two and solidify a playoff berth.
Puebla’s calendar shows an away clash with Club León on 29 October 2025. The team will need to tighten up defensively – they have conceded 33 goals so far – and capitalize on set‑pieces to scrape vital points.
Expert Takeaways
Football analysts across Mexican media agree the draw reflects the growing parity in the Apertura. “Both teams showed resilience, but América’s depth showed in the last‑minute heroics,” noted sports commentator Javier Hernández of TV Azteca. Puebla’s coach, Alberto Coyote, admitted, “We created chances, but the penalty cost us. We’ll learn from this and bounce back.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw affect Club América’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs?
América stays in third place with 30 points, three behind the leaders. A win in their next match could lift them into the top two, securing a more favorable playoff seed. The draw keeps them in the mix but adds pressure to maintain momentum.
What does the result mean for Club Puebla’s fight against relegation?
Puebla remains second‑to‑last with eight points, still within the relegation‑playoff zone. The single point stops a losing streak but does little to lift them out of danger. They must win their next two games to keep hopes alive.
Who were the standout performers of the match?
Ramón Juárez earned praise for his late winner, while Brian Rodríguez’s penalty conversion was crucial. Emiliano Gómez’s opener highlighted his growing confidence, and goalkeeper Ángel Malagón kept América in the game with several key saves.
When and where will the next match for each club be played?
Club América hosts Cruz Azul at Estadio Azteca on 27 October 2025. Club Puebla travels to León for their next fixture on 29 October 2025.
What tactical changes did the coaches make during the game?
América’s coach introduced Ramón Juárez and a defensive midfielder in the final minutes to add stability and fresh legs, which paid off with the late goal. Puebla responded with a double substitution, bringing on fresh attackers, but they couldn’t capitalize after the equaliser.
