Build Eze a statue! Palace win FA Cup & first-ever trophy

A terrible ending for KDB and a costly penalty miss by Marmoush as City stunned 

Héctor Bellerín: How could I dance at a funeral?

What makes treble-chasing Chelsea boss Bompastor so special?

Why Man Utd captain Le Tissier deserves more England chances

Editors' Picks

'Leave America or retire' - MLS poser faced by Pulisic & Co

McElhenney bids emotional farewell to Wrexham duo 

Yamal vs Messi? Spain and Argentina to go head-to-head in Finalissima

Gomez believes Beckham worried teams have figured out Miami

Ronaldo's son wears signature CR7 & Mbappe boots in Portugal training

Villa offer update as Martinez waves tearful farewell to fans

Ballon d'Or Power Rankings: It's Dembele's to lose now

Barcelona ask for away games as they prepare Camp Nou return

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"2hsidwomhjsaaytdy9u5niyi4"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>The first leg is set for May 7 or 8 at Estadio Hidalgo</li><li>The return leg scheduled for May 10 or 11 at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, América’s home ground</li><li>Brian Rodríguez is unlikely to be fit in time, but Valdés is expected to return</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

América welcome back Luis Ángel Malagón and Henry Martín from injury while doubts remain over the status of Diego Valdés, Brian Rodríguez, and Jonathan dos Santos

Liga MX

CF America

Cruz Azul

<p>Club América received a major boost ahead of the Clausura 2025 Liguilla quarterfinals, with several key players returning from injury just in time for their clash against Pachuca. Goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón and captain Henry Martín are back in action, while doubts linger over the availability of Diego Valdés, Brian Rodríguez, and Jonathan dos Santos.
</p><p>Malagón, who had been sidelined since Matchday 17 with an ankle sprain suffered against Mazatlán FC, featured in a closed-door friendly against Liga de Expansión side Celaya. Despite América losing 3–2 at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, the return of their starting goalkeeper was a key positive. Martín also made his comeback after a two-month absence with tendinitis, having seen minutes in a prior training match and again against Celaya - confirming his readiness for the quarterfinals.
</p><p>Other players who logged time in the friendly included Sebastián Cáceres, Víctor Dávila, Erick Sánchez, Rodrigo Aguirre, Álvaro Fidalgo, and Dagoberto Espinoza. However, playmaker Diego Valdés did not participate due to ongoing muscle issues. While there's hope he could make the bench for the first leg against Pachuca, his status remains uncertain.
</p><p>The outlook is bleaker for Rodríguez and Dos Santos, who are both at risk of missing the entire Liguilla due to more serious injuries. As a result, head coach André Jardine may be forced to steer his side through the knockout rounds without two of his most experienced contributors.
</p><p>Meanwhile, Clausura leaders Toluca—through head coach Antonio Mohamed—have expressed concern over the 18-day gap between the regular season and the Liguilla quarterfinals, fearing it could disrupt their rhythm. In contrast, América may be the biggest beneficiary of the extended break as they chase a historic fourth consecutive league title.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Out of the returns, Jardine is pleased to have Henry Martín back - even though the captain hasn’t played a competitive match in over two months and is enduring his toughest campaign yet in an América jersey. Plagued by injuries, Martín has scored just once in nine appearances this semester.</p><p>His current form remains a question mark, and it’s still unclear whether he’ll start or come off the bench in the upcoming quarterfinals. But one thing is certain: he wears the captain’s armband under Jardine, and the coach has complete trust in him. Even with uncertainty around his performance level, Jardine is ready to go all-in with the players who helped establish him as one of the most successful managers in club history.</p><p>The loss of Rodríguez is undoubtedly a blow. The winger, nicknamed "Rayito," had become one of América’s most consistent attacking threats. His absence for the remainder of the Liguilla could significantly impact the team’s quest for a historic fourth consecutive title.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>América has managed just one win in their last eight visits to Pachuca, suffering five losses and drawing twice.
<br>During the Clausura 2025 season, Las Águilas lost only two away matches—and one of those defeats came at Estadio Hidalgo, where they’ll face the Tuzos in the Liguilla quarterfinals.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>América will visit Pachuca on May 7 or 8 for the first leg of the Liguilla quarterfinals.</p><p>The exact date—Wednesday or Thursday—has yet to be confirmed, but Jardine’s squad will be heading into one of the toughest venues in Liga MX. Pachuca lost just one of their eight home matches during the Clausura 2025 season.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR AMÉRICA?

América welcome back Luis Ángel Malagón and Henry Martín from injury while doubts remain over the status of Diego Valdés, Brian Rodríguez, and Jonathan dos Santos | Goal.com

Las Águilas played their final friendly match ahead of their upcoming Liguilla quarterfinal clash against Pachuca.

Next Match