The Águilas del América flew high in the first leg of the quarterfinals after beating Atlético de San Luis convincingly 3-1 at the Alfonso Lastras stadium.
With the obligation to show that they are candidates for the title, Fernando Ortiz’s team once again showed their full-weight punch against a San Luis that clings to hope thanks to its goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez.
Barely at minute 9, and after a return in the area after a corner kick, Jonathan Rodríguez subtly connected the ball to score the first of the night.
Atlético de San Luis had an important play, at minute 17, but John Murillo sent the shot to the crossbar. And the Eagles, by comparison, were unforgiving. At 19′, a good cross from Miguel Layún ended with a header from Diego Valdés to increase the lead.
The people from San Luis did not give up and found the distance shortened, after Leonardo Bonatini found the ball in the small area at minute 24 and beat Luis Ángel Malagón.
Each Americanista attack seemed more dangerous than the previous one, but the goalkeeper Andrés Sánchez stole everyone’s attention thanks to his saves with which he avoided a bigger rout.
In a vibrant first half, América sealed the series at minute 34, after a shot by Leo Suárez that was deflected by Unai Bilbao, and which Andrés Sánchez could not save.
Already in the second half, América went on automatic pilot, slowing down and preventing San Luis from shortening the distance. But in the last moments the bad news arrived.
In the first instance, Henry Martín, the club’s top scorer, had to come off the bench due to a blow to the head. In addition, at 82′, Israel Reyes was sent off after a foul on the edge of the cream-blue area.
With the result, América will be able to advance with a win, a tie or even a two-goal defeat at the Azteca stadium. While San Luis must achieve a feat, trying to go for a victory by three goals difference in the Coloso de Santa Úrsula.