Club America’s Liguilla hopes under threat after 2-1 defeat to Atlas

Club America’s hopes of making the Liguilla took a huge hit as las Aguilas were stunned at the Estadio Azteca, losing 2-1 to Atlas.

This was a game Club America needed at least a point from to qualify to the Liguilla, but Leiton Jimenez’s fourth minute header made it tough for Ricardo La Volpe’s side, who came into this game unbeaten and without receiving a single goal at home this season.

Club America’s nightmare start continued when Matias Alustiza found himself with space outside the box to fire in the 2-0.

Atlas were guilty of losing momentum after scoring a second, and the second half became a frantic affair, with Club America mounting forward in search of a goal.

In the 62nd minute, 16-year-old Diego Lainez came on Silvio Romero and completely changed the complexion of the game. First, Lainez assisted Oribe Peralta with a header that went only inches wide before twice forcing goalkeeper Miguel Angel Fraga to a save.

In the 86th minute, Club America received a helping hand when a penalty was called for a handball from Luis Robles. Oribe Peralta stepped up and made no mistake from the spot to pull las Aguilas within one.

The goal, however, was too little too late as Atlas held on to earn a spot in the Liguilla.

Next, Club America will play a must-win game against Pachuca to decide who will join Club Tijuana, Toluca, Monterrey, Chivas, Santos Laguna, and Atlas in the Liguilla.