Club América see off Toluca to book Liguilla Semifinal spot

Having survived a scare, Club América set up a Semifinals clash with rivals Pumas UNAM after beating the Toluca 3-2 on Sunday. A chaotic game at the Estadio Azteca saw Las Águilas win 5-4 on aggregate.

An early goal from Roger Martinez put the hosts in front before Bruno Valdez gave Miguel Herrera’s side a 2-0 lead in the 23rd minute.

Given the way both teams were playing, it looked like América was going to take Toluca completely apart, and things went from bad to worse for the Diablos Rojos when Rodrigo Salinas was sent off with a red card early in the second half. Moments later, América then added to their lead when Paul Aguilar volleyed a ball past Alfredo Talavera to put the aggregate score 5-2 in Las Águilas’ favor.

That left Toluca needing to score three goals in under 35 minutes and they were handed a lifeline after Rubens Sambueza scored a stunning free-kick past Agustin Marchesin.

Despite the goal, Toluca still looked wobbly on the attack, and they only sensed their chance until the 87th minute. William played a superb combination with Enrique Triverio to score and give the traveling fans some hope.

Toluca’s final push for a third goal sent America’s nerves jangling, but at the end, Miguel Herrera’s men were able to hang on and book their place in the Semifinals of the 2018 Liga MX Apertura.