WOMEN'S LIGA MX
América defeat Pachuca to win Women’s Liga MX
Las Águilas lifted their second title with an aggregate score of 4-2 at the Azteca Stadium and broke the attendance record with 58,156 spectators.
The inaugural grand final between Pachuca and América Femenil took place at the Azteca Stadium, marking a historic occasion as 58,156 fans gathered to witness the crowning of a new champion. This victory came after eight previous titles dominated by one team. The attendance figure shattered previous records, surpassing the highest number of fans previously registered (52,654) during the Apertura 2022 Tournament match between América and Tigers.
América triumph over Pachuca
Under the guidance of Ángel Villacampa, the América Femenil team arrived at the monumental ‘Colossus of Santa Úrsula’ after a comeback victory (1-2) against the Tuzas team in the 11th tournament of the Liga MX Femenil. The goals in this decisive match were scored by Andrea Pereira (67′) and Katty Martínez (9′) for the Coapa team, while Charlyn Corral from the opposing side found the net at the 18th minute.
Despite a fierce storm hitting Mexico City, the Azulcrema team emerged as the champions at the Azteca Stadium with an aggregate score of 2-4. They secured their second Pink Circuit title, showcasing a flawless transition from the regular season to the playoffs.
In the opening minutes of the match, América Femenil applied pressure on the Tuzas’ goal from the right flank, with forward Katty Martínez capitalizing on the space to open the scoring at the 7th minute. This marked her third goal in the final phase of the Circuito Rosa league. Despite the heavy rain, the players remained focused and continued to create opportunities, executing many of their plays on the left wing and through the centre.
Throughout the first half of the second leg of the Clausura 2023 final, the relentless rain persisted. However, the cheers and unwavering support of the fans never ceased as they rallied behind the cream-blue team, who once again took the lead by attacking down the left flank. In the closing minutes of the first half, Pachuca created their first opportunity with Marta Cox, but they couldn’t convert. The first 45 minutes concluded with a 3-1 aggregate advantage in favor of the Coapa team.
As the second half commenced, Pachuca emerged onto the field with determination, looking to turn the tide. They pinned the Americanistas back in their own half for a few minutes, and Charlyn Corral’s shot lacked the necessary power and was saved by goalkeeper Itzel González.
Aureli Baci further cemented the dominance of the Americanistas by scoring a goal in the 57th minute, extending their overall lead to 1-4. The stadium erupted. Baci, the French forward, has now scored three goals in the current tournament. With the support of their home crowd, they continued to control the game as they pursued their second championship title in the club’s history.
Alice Soto then sent waves of excitement through the Tuza fans as she found the back of the net. This narrowed the overall scoreline to 2-4. The moment arrived in the 85th minute when the striker skilfully put the ball into the back of the net, providing a glimmer of hope for her team and fans.
The 4-2 victory of América Femenil has brought an end to the current Clausura 2023 Tournament of the Liga MX Femenil and marked another milestone in the development of the women’s league in Mexico, as it celebrated its first final in nearly six years since its establishment.