Pachuca hosts América tonight in the first leg of their Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinal series. The match takes place at Estadio Hidalgo, marking the start of the liguilla for both clubs. Kickoff is scheduled for 9:10 PM local time, 10:10 PM ET.
The teams meet again in a playoff series after recent matchups have intensified their rivalry. Pachuca defeated América 1-0 in a recent encounter and eliminated América from the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals just weeks prior.
Historically, Pachuca holds an advantage over América in liguilla confrontations. The clubs have faced each other seven times in playoff series, with Pachuca advancing in five of those matchups compared to two for América. América enters this series aiming for its fourth consecutive league title.
André Jardine manages América, while Guillermo Almada leads Pachuca. América faces the match without several players, including Jonathan dos Santos, Brian Rodríguez, and Diego Valdés, due to injury. Despite absences, América hopes for strong play from players such as Alejandro Zendejas, Álvaro Fidalgo, and Erick Sánchez.
Beyond the field, a rivalry exists between club owners Jesús Martínez Patiño and Emilio Azcárraga Jean. This dynamic adds another layer to the matchup, sometimes reflected in fan exchanges using hashtags like #ÓdiameMás for América and #Papachuca for Pachuca. Off-field issues, including those surrounding the León's participation in the Mundial de Clubes, have also been points of conflict.
The officiating for the match is assigned to Jesús Rafael López. The selection of the referee has drawn commentary ahead of the game.
The Pachuca vs. América match is scheduled for transmission on Tubi. Other quarterfinal series also begin this week.
Another quarterfinal match scheduled for tonight sees Monterrey host Toluca in the first leg of their series.
