February 11 – A 0-0 draw at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes in Mexico City was enough to see Club America into the last 16. Olimpia will rue their missed opportunity to upset a giant of the world game.
Club América came into the match with a 2-1 lead after winning the first leg in Honduras with a controlled performance that showed their ability to flex their line up and change their tactics seamlessly.
The expectation was that Olimpia were in for an uncomfortable Mexican evening. The Hondurans in contrast arrived in Mexico City with one goal to their name, knowing they had to win to progress but confident they were competitive,
In a cagey opening first half the two teams were evenly matched. The best chance of the half fell to Olimpia’s with an Emanuel Hernández header stopped by Luis Malagón in the America goal on 42’.
America stepped up their pace in the second half and on 49’ Olimpia captain Edrick Menjívar kept his team in the game with a superb save from Victor Davila’s attempt, tipping the ball over the crossbar.
With America now looking more threatening Menjívar was again called into action on 60’ saving an Érick Sánchez shot from outside the box. The longer the game went on the more America looked comfortable.
Club América took the tie 2-1 on aggregate and will face the winner of the Philadelphia Union and Defence Force FC series next month.
Club América 0 Olimpia 0. Club América win 2-1 on aggregate