the VAR becomes the protagonist in Leon and Club America’s draw
Las Aguilas del America and Club Leon met in a highly anticipated rematch of one the semifinals of the 2019 Clausura. These two teams have played some of the best football in Liga MX, and the rivalry has grown recently as the stakes and bragging rights have increased significantly.
The teams managed by Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera and Ignacio Ambriz, respectively, were not able to harm each other and split the points in this second round showdown of the 2019 Apertura.
The first half proved to be a very competitive one as both goalkeepers were tested and made eloquent saves in order the keep their sheets clean. The team from Mexico City was looking to beat Nacho Ambriz’ men for the first time in a regular-season road game since July 2014.
Despite the opportunities generated by both sides, neither of them were able to capitalize. They went to the lockers after the first half without any goals on the scoreboard and amid boos from the crowd in Guanajuato.
The second half turned into a very animated one. Both teams came out determined to get on the scoreboard, as the intensity became evident.
One of the game’s most controversial moments of the game took place in the 70th minute. Referee Roberto Garcia would signal a penalty after Leon’s Andres Mosquera fouled Roger Martinez inside the box. After Garcia reviewed the play in the VAR, he determined there was no contact and annulled the penalty.
In the 74th minute, Giovani dos Santos made his official Liga MX debut after coming into the game for Martinez. The latter was still extremely heated after the referee had waved off the penalty. Gio’s presence didn’t make much difference as Leon was able to contain the playmaker and didn’t allow him to create any danger.
Las Aguilas would get a massive boost in the 80th minute after a foul by Fernando Navarro made its way to the VAR. After reviewing the play for several minutes, the referee went to his back pocket and showed Navarro the red card leaving La Fiera down ten men for the rest of the game.
After all the delays stemming from the VAR reviews, the referee added six additional minutes of stoppage time. Club America continued to push forward and cornered the team from Guanajuato deep into their side of the field. One minute into stoppage time, Rodolfo Cota stopped a Renato Ibarra opportunity inside the box by sacrificing his body and stopping Ibarra’s shot from going into the goal.
Gio dos Santos also had one last chance for America but was unable to tap the ball into the back of the net and give Las Aguilas the victory. As the final whistle blew, the frustration of the draw covered the player’s faces from both sides.
With the result, neither of them was able to reach Atlas at the top of the standings. Next week, Leon will take on Monterrey on the road; meanwhile, Club America will host Xolos in Mexico City for the Week 3 of the 2019 Apertura.
