March 18 – Club América took a 1-0 lead into the second leg against Philadelphia Union in Mexico City and wasted no time in doubling it.
Six minutes into the game a Raphael Veiga cross from the left found Brazilian Rodrigo Dourado (pictured top) who headed home.
Club América were on fire and thought were celebrating their second of the game in the 22nd minute through Álex Zendejas before VAR ruled it out.
The Mexicans were dominating but not taking their chances. Veiga has a shot of his own just go wide, Patricio Salas had a shot blocked and another saved near the end of the half, while Erick Sanchez also had a shot blocked. In added time VAR turned an appeal for a Club America penalty down.
The Union made it to half time but they needed to change their thinking.
Union coach Bradley Carnell brought on Bruno Damiani for Stas Korzeniowski, and Frankie Westfield for Geiner Martínez.
The impact was immediate. In the 48th Zendejas brought down Westfield in the box. Jesús Bueno (pictured below) converted the spot kick.
The Union were back in the tie and a second goal would send them through to the next round.
Now it was Philadelphia’s turn to apply pressure. 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan again looked lively as the Union, struggling to sustain long periods of possession, hunted the ball.
Now it was Club América’s turn to rethink, and in the 71st minute made three substitutions to bolster their defence.
The Mexican giants are chasing their eight Champions Cup title and if there is one think they have learnt over the years, is how to win big games that are being decided by small margins.
As in the first round of the Champions Cup, Club América shut up shop, content to mould the game to their purpose of getting to the next round. And for the second time in this tournament they closed out their tie with a home draw but an aggregate win.
If it wasn’t winning ugly it was getting close to it, but more than anything else it was a lesson in closing.
Club América now meet BJ Callaghan’s Nashville in the quarter final in what promises to be another battle of wits.
Last 26, 2nd leg: Club América 1 Philadelphia Union 1. Club America win 2-1 on aggregate