Aguilas crush Xolos to reach Copa MX Final

America reaches the 2019 Copa MX final after eliminating Xolos 4-0 in the Azteca. Tijuana, with 10-men on the field, were unable to compete with a full squad from from Miguel Herrera.

America took an early advantage in the 3rd minute after free kick was taken by Lupe Clemente outside the box. Clemente’s curler went straight to the bottom right post, leaving Xolos goalkeeper on the grass with no chance of saving. Clemente, at nineteen years of age, scored his first goal for las Aguilas.

Tijuana had a few opportunities to make Agustin Marchesin uncomfortable on his goal but they kept losing control of the ball due to high pressure from America’s defense. Speaking of defense, Emmanuel Aguilera had to be substituted out in the 25th minute after suffering an unexpected injury.

Although Aguilera was off the field, America wasn’t weakened by the change and continued to give their rivals a difficult time, as they prevented Xolos from completing more than three passes and stay control of the ball. The game got worse for the away team after Kevin Blanta received a straight red card by the referee in the 35th minute. Blanta stepped on Guido Rodriguez just above the ankle, sending Rodriguez to the ground.

With Xolos being one player down, los Azulcremas were able to amplify their lead in the 40th minute. After an unsuccessful counterattack led by Henry Martin, Nicolas Benedetti recovered the ball inside the goal area, to curve the ball with his right foot and into the net.

In the second half, Xolos were putting all their effort to make possible comeback but failed in many attempts. In the meantime, America were attacking from all sides, hoping for more goals and they certainly got close after Renato Ibarra hit the right post in the 53rd minute.

Mateus Uribe had a shot on goal but was blocked by Juan Carlos Valenzuela using his hand, having the referee call a penalty in favor of the home team. In the the 84th minute, Henry Martin did the honors and scored the third goal for his team. Martin came again with another goal in the 87th minute after being knocked down on the ground in the penalty box, but still managing to kick the ball into the goal.

America will play the final against the winner of tomorrow’s match between Pumas and Juarez.