Was it a penalty? Controversial call helps Rayados into Leagues Cup final

In a penalty shootout, Rayados eliminated Club América and advanced to the Leagues Cup final after the teams finished 2-2 in regulation.

Rayados convert every penalty

The team coached by Matías Almeyda converted all five of its attempts in the shootout, with Luca Orellano, Diego Rossi, Víctor Guzmán, Jesús Manuel Corona and Hugo Cuypers all finding the net.

América, meanwhile, missed through Alan Cervantes, who sent his effort over the crossbar and became the villain after previously scoring during the match.

The first half featured more attacking opportunities for América, with Isaías Violante forcing two good saves from Esteban Andrada. The Mexico City club also had a possible penalty shout in the 12th minute after Henry Martín appeared to be caught on the foot, but the incident was not even reviewed by VAR. Monterrey finished the half stronger, although it failed to register a shot on target.

Rayados’ first goal arrived just three minutes into the second half. Diego Rossi sent what appeared to be a cross from the right wing, but the ball took a path toward goal and curled into the far upper corner in the 48th minute.

América responded quickly. In the 57th minute, Raphael Veiga delivered a free-kick cross from the left that found Ramón Juárez at the far post. Juárez controlled the ball, set himself up and finished with his left foot inside the near post.

Just six minutes later, América turned things around. Cervantes unleashed a powerful long-range shot in the 63rd minute that flew into the upper-right corner, leaving Andrada with no chance.

Controversial penalty sends game to shootout

The equalizer for Monterrey came amid controversy. A penalty was awarded in the 65th minute after a knee-to-knee collision between Kevin Álvarez and Orbelín Pineda inside the box. The decision sparked debate over whether the contact warranted a penalty, but Lucas Ocampos made no mistake from the spot to make it 2-2.

The result sends Rayados into the Leagues Cup final, where they will face Toluca on Sunday, Sept. 6.

América, meanwhile, will play León in the third-place match.

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