There are games that are played with heart in hand, and Sunday’s Clásico Capitalino in the first leg of the quarterfinals was one of them.
On a night when América seemed doomed to early elimination, the Águilas pulled their pride out of the ashes to rescue a 3-3 draw against Pumas, who had glory in their hands but let it slip away.
Tie in América vs Pumas
Alejandro Zendejas and the convincing equalizing goal! This is what it was like on the Estadio Banorte pitch. 🫡🔟🔥 pic.twitter.com/PZdXAjrdr6
– Club América (@ClubAmerica) May 4, 2026
From the opening whistle, drama took over the Coloso de Santa Ursula.
Just five minutes into the game, a huge mistake by América allowed Brazil’s Juninho to unleash a shot from outside the area that left Rodolfo Cota with no chance.
The Azteca was silenced, but the response was immediate: Isaías Violante restored hope in the 13th minute with a 1-1 draw.
However, André Jardine’s defense continued to be an invitation to danger, and just before halftime, Uriel Antuna capitalized on another defensive gift to make it 1-2 and send the universitarios into the dressing room with the lead.
Nightmare second half
Henry Martin with his great collection! Seen from the pitch. 9️⃣💣💥 pic.twitter.com/v3xd4cYfCq
– Club América (@ClubAmerica) May 4, 2026
The second half started like a nightmare for Club de Coapa.
In the 52nd minute, Jordan Carrillo added to the lead with a powerful shot that seemed to put the final nail in the Eagles’ coffin.
With the score at 1-3 and Keylor Navas imposing in the UNAM goal, the comeback seemed impossible.
But if the Liguilla has taught us anything, it’s that America can never be left for dead.
The turning point came in the 78th minute.
A reckless foul by Panama’s Adalberto Carrasquilla inside the box gave the home side the lead.
Henry Martín, the captain and reference player, made no mistake from the penalty spot to bring the scoreboard closer.
Azulcrema’s pressure became suffocating and, just five minutes later, the referee pointed to a second penalty.
This time it was Alejandro Zendejas who picked up the ball, fooled Navas with class and unleashed madness in the stands with the definitive 3-3 scoreline.
Pumas squandered a lead that seemed definitive and will now have to settle everything at home.
For their part, America showed that, although their defense is a sea of doubts, their ability to react is still elite.
The series remains wide open and the second leg will be played next Sunday, May 10 at Ciudad Universitaria, where only one will survive to continue dreaming of the Clausura 2026 title.
Get ready, because the war is just beginning!
Filed under: Tie América vs Pumas
