Pachuca secured a 2‑1 victory over América in Jornada 3 of the Liga MX Clausura 2026 at Estadio Miguel Hidalgo. Brayan Ramos opened the scoring in the 12th minute, Luis Cárdenas equalised at 34, and Diego Mendoza clinched the win in the 71st. The win gives Pachuca three points and boosts their early‑season momentum.
Match Summary
The match kicked off at 01:06 UTC (19:06 local) before a near‑capacity crowd of 22,000. Pachuca dominated possession with 53 % and outshot América 6‑4 on target. The final scoreline read Pachuca 2 – 1 América.
- Goal scorers: Brayan Ramos (12′), Luis Cárdenas (34′), Diego Mendoza (71′)
- Key stats: Possession 53 % vs 47 %; corners 5‑3; shots on target 6‑4
Key Moments
Early Pressure Pays Off
Pachuca’s high‑press forced América into errors, leading to Ramos’s low‑driven finish in the 12th minute after a quick one‑two with Javier Luna.
América’s Response
A precise right‑wing cross found Luis Cárdenas, whose powerful header leveled the score at 34 minutes.
Decisive Counter‑Attack
In the 71st minute, captain Álvaro Martínez delivered a deep pass to Diego Mendoza, whose composure and feint created the winning goal.
Team Form and Context
Pachuca entered the match with one point from two games (0‑0 draw, 1‑0 loss) and sought a tactical shift toward a more aggressive style under coach Juan Carlos Gutiérrez. América, struggling with two defeats and a draw, needed a win to escape the relegation zone.
League Implications
The victory lifts Pachuca to four points, placing them just outside the top‑four and providing momentum for upcoming fixtures against Santos Laguna and Tigres UANL. América remains in the relegation zone, prompting coach Santiago Vargas to consider midfield adjustments and defensive tightening.
Broadcast & Fan Engagement
The match streamed live on ESPN’s Liga MX feed, with English commentary for U.S. viewers via ESPN + and Univision Deportes. Social media activity spiked, with #PachucaVsAmerica trending in Mexico and the U.S., reflecting strong fan interest.
Looking Ahead
Pachuca
Upcoming challenges include Jornada 4 versus Santos Laguna and a derby with Deportivo Toluca. Maintaining defensive solidity while enhancing offensive execution will be crucial.
América
América must regroup quickly, focusing on defensive organization and set‑piece efficiency before facing Club Guadalajara. A swift turnaround is essential to revive their title aspirations.
