América beat Real Estelí to set up ‘Concachampions’ clash with Chivas

América did exactly what they needed to do and have been rewarded with the prospect of taking on Chivas in the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup. André Jardine’s Azulcremas beat Real Estelí 2-0 at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes with goals from Jonathan Rodríguez and Alejandro Zendejas to seal a 3-2 aggregate victory and advance to the Round of 16. .

The Liga MX side overwhelmed the visitors in the first half and took an early lead. On 17 minutes, Julián Quiñones picked out Cabecita Rodríguez, unmarked just inside the box. The Uruguayan needed just one touch to control the ball before unleashing a powerful strike into the top corner It was the striker’s first goal in this edition of the Concachampions and his second of the New Year.

Cáceres booked after VAR review

It put América ahead on away goals but Jardine’s men continued to pound the Central American team’s goal in search of a second. They came close in the 33rd minute when a Brian Rodríguez free-kick bounced off the top of the crossbar. Just before half-time, Sebastián Cáceres was issued a red card for a challenge in midfield but the decision was reversed after a VAR review, leaving the left-back with just a booking.

In the second half the Milloneta team continued its dominance but were left off the hook in the 51st minute when Iván Ochoa caught Chicote Calderón napping - fortunately his shot hit the side netting. A couple of minutes later, the Azulcremas doubled the lead and effectively sentenced the tie. Bonilla squared to Zendejas who tucked the ball home from inside the six-yard box to make it 2-0 on the night.

Zendejas hits the wood

Tempers flared in the 61st minute after Calderón was shoved by Harold Medina as the América defender attempted to shield the ball. It provoked a scuffle with Luis Ángel Malagón racing out of his goal to confront the Estelí player. the hosts could have made it 3-0 on 67 minutes when Alex Zendejas was released down the right channel but his effort bounced back off the post.

Moments later Álvaro Fidalgo saw his long-range strike fizz past Douglas Forvis’ post. While the locals were in control, Estelí continued to press and had chances to get back into contention. Josué Quijano cut inside the two centre-backs on 90 minutes but his tame shot was easily smothered by Malagón. At the other end, Zendejas struck the post again in stoppage-time.

It ended 2-0 on the night, 3-2 overall and América will meet Chivas in a CONCACAF Clásico Nacional in the Round of 16. The first leg will be played at Akron stadium on 6 March with the return at the Azteca a week later on 14 March. Tigres are also through to the next stage after beating Vancouver and could be joined by fellow Liga MX sides Toluca and Monterrey who decide their respective first round ties (against Herediano and Comunicaciones) later this evening.