On April 26, 2024, a thrilling Liga MX encounter saw Club América get ahead in the match as it gained a 2-1 victory over Puebla at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. Puebla seemed to be dominating the early minutes of the game and managed to score the first goal in the 9th minute through Gustavo Ferrareis, but América were quick with responding by scoring two goals in the 21st and 45+3′ minutes to secure victory.
First Half: Early Lead and Quick Response
High energy marked the beginning of the game for Puebla, which took a 9th-minute lead through the mistake of América’s defense that got converted by Gustavo Ferrareis’s ball slotting past goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. This early goal pumped the energy of the host crowd to look forward for a thrilling remainder of the match.
América was not fazed by the early loss and responded in the 21st minute when Javairo Dilrosun made a great cross into the box. Salvador Reyes, who was well-placed, headed the ball into the net, leveling the score at 1-1. This was an attacking strength and resilience from América.
Just before halftime, in the 45+3′ minute, Salvador Reyes struck again. Dilrosun, involved in both goals, provided another assist, sending a well-timed pass to Reyes, who finished with composure to give América a 2-1 lead. This late goal was a massive blow to Puebla, who had dominated possession but were trailing at halftime.
Second Half: Defensive Solidity and Missed Opportunities
During the second half, América played it more defensively; they looked to hold on to their lead. Puebla maintained 53.9% possession compared to América’s 46.1%. Although Puebla dominated possession, it was merely a challenge for them to sustain an attack into the América defense.
América’s defense, led by the experienced Sebastián Cáceres and Jorge Sánchez, held firm. They did a great job of nullifying Puebla’s attacks, and Ochoa was called upon to make some very important saves to protect the lead. The defensive unit’s organization and discipline were crucial in holding onto the lead.
Puebla had a few chances to level the score, particularly in the 60th and 68th minutes, but were denied by Ochoa’s goalkeeping and some wayward finishing. The team’s frustration grew as they could not capitalize on their possession and attacking momentum. América, on the other hand, showed great patience and discipline, absorbing the pressure while looking for openings in Puebla’s defensive line.
Key Players: Salvador Reyes and Javairo Dilrosun
Salvador Reyes was the standout player for the match and scored both América’s goals, finishing clinically with intelligent positioning, which won him the game. Reyes’ game was a perfect example of the importance he represents to the team and his rise as a talent in Liga MX.
Javairo Dilrosun was also impactful as he registered two assists and demonstrated his precise vision and ability to deliver fine passes that supported both of the goals scored by Reyes. Such contribution from Dilrosun confirmed that he’s an imaginative footballer and plays an increasingly larger role in attacking games for América.
Match Stats
- Possession Puebla 53.9%, América 46.1%
- Attempts on Target: Puebla 5, América 3
- Total Attempts: Puebla 16, América 13
- Caution: Puebla 1, América 0
- Corners Puebla 4, América 3
- Saves: Puebla 1, América 4
These statistics reflect Puebla’s dominance in possession and shot attempts, but América’s efficiency in converting chances and defensive solidity were decisive factors in the outcome. The difference between the two teams was not in possession or shot attempts but in América’s ability to take advantage of their limited opportunities, coupled with a rock-solid defensive performance.
Conclusion
América’s 2-1 victory over Puebla on April 26, 2024, was a testament to their resilience and clinical finishing. The match was well underway when Puebla went ahead and enjoyed superior possession but América capitalized on their opportunities as Salvador Reyes’ brace and Javairo Dilrosun’s assists proved decisive. This was a perfect match that shows football is unpredictable where possession statistics don’t always equate to the final result.
For Puebla, it was a lost opportunity to make the most of their early lead and possession supremacy. The failure to convert opportunities and the resilience of América’s defense were two factors that spelled defeat for them. These issues need to be corrected to help the team play better in future matches.
The game was a real thriller, where both teams demonstrated their attacking skills and how crucial clinical finishing and defensive organization were in winning the game. América’s victory over Puebla will be remembered as a classic example of how a team can overcome early adversity through determination and effective execution. The encounter was a display of the very high standard of competition witnessed in Liga MX, and both teams gave everything with regards to requirements.
