MEXICO CITY – Club America tied 1-1 with Pachuca to start their 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal series on Tuesday night at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
Alejandro Zendejas opened the scoring in the 12’ by pouncing on a loose ball in the box. Henry Martin was pivotal with a deflection from a cross by right back Israel Reyes.
Erick Sanchez attempted from long range in the 21’ but America goalkeeper Luis Malagon secured the ball to stop any threat from the Pachuca midfielder.
Oussama Idrissi had a long-range curler in the 35’, but Malagon diverted the shot with a diving save.
Andres Micolta obtained the tying goal for Pachuca in the 40’ with a header on a free kick service from Idrissi.
Cristian Calderon struck from short range in the 53’, but Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno kept the danger away from goal.
Jonathan dos Santos hit from a long-range volley in the 63’ but was just wide of the target.
Micolta was equally impactful on the defensive end in the 65’ with a tackle to strip Diego Valdes in the box.
Valdes was denied by Micolta again in the 81’ as the Pachuca defender stretched out his back heel to block a shot on target.
Salomon Rondon had a look on goal in the 90'+4 but the free kick attempt was blocked by the wall.
Pachuca will host America in the second leg next Tuesday at the Estadio Hidalgo in Pachuca, Hidalgo, Mexico, with the winner moving on to the final.
