Rojiblancas and Azulcremas collide in the opening leg of the Liga MX Femenil semi-finals, and GOAL brings you the most striking moments from this high-stakes clash.
The Big Pink Soccer Festival rolls on in Mexico as Chivas and America square off for the first chapter of the Opening 2023 semi-finals at Akron Stadium. Both sides arrive intent on seizing an advantage ahead of the return leg at the Coloso de Santa Úrsula next Sunday, promising a clash marked by intensity, skill, and strategic battles on the Perla Tapatia turf.
GOAL chronicles the match with a minute-by-minute account and a compilation of the finest plays from up and down the pitch. Here is the action as it unfolded.
CHIVAS VS AMERICA: MINUTE BY MINUTE
Kick-off set the tone for a tense encounter, with both teams deploying compact midfields and high pressing lines. Chivas looked to disrupt the Azulcremas early, cutting off passing lanes and forcing hurried decisions in the final third. America, in turn, prioritized quick transitions, recycling the ball to stretch Chivas and create shooting opportunities from the flanks. The tempo swung as stalwart defenders and dynamic forwards exchanged bursts of pace, turning every possession into a potential turning point.
Midway through the half, a series of sharp combination plays between Chivas’ forwards and midfielders carved out pockets of space. Yet the finishing touch eluded them, as precise tackles and well-timed blocks kept the scoreboard untroubled. America then mounted a reply, pushing pressure high and forcing a handful of set pieces that tested the Chivas back line and goalkeeper with dangerous headers and curling efforts from the edge of the box.
The second half brought renewed urgency. Chivas intensified their pressing, forcing a couple of turnovers near the opponent’s penalty area and generating promising half chances. America answered with patient buildup, alternately targeting the wings and dropping runners into pockets to invite through balls that required quick reads from the final line. The tactical duel intensified as substitutions reshaped the pace and texture of the game, maintaining a relentless rhythm until the final whistle.
The closest moments belonged to both sides in a sequence of quick-fire attacks. A well-placed shot from distance skimmed the glove of the goalkeeper and rattled the crossbar, followed by a swift counter that demanded last-ditch defending. Although neither team breached the net, the contest delivered edge-of-seat drama and a clear signal that the series will hinge on minor margins over the coming leg.
As the clock wound down, the intensity did not waver. Coaches will study the aftermath with notes on pressing triggers, space creation, and the efficiency of final passes. Both clubs demonstrated why they are among the league’s elite, leaving fans eager for the next chapter in this storied rivalry.
The highlights reel offers a snapshot of the tactical chess match and the individual moments that could swing the tie in the return leg.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV AND APPS?
You can follow the match on open television via Fox Sports and Chivas TV.
ALIGNMENTS
CHIVAS
To confirm.
AMERICA
To confirm.
THE SUMMARY
The best of Chivas vs América in just a few moments…
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