Necaxa Holds América to a Thrilling 1-1 Draw in Liga MX Showdown

On July 27, 2025, the Liga MX Apertura 2025 produced another thrilling encounter as Necaxa played out a 1-1 draw with América at the Estadio Victoria in Aguascalientes. The Jornada 3 encounter was a closely contested affair, with Díber Cambindo’s equaliser late in the first half stealing the spotlight and keeping Necaxa in contention against the mighty Azulcremas. An

Diber Cambindo celebrates his equalizer in Necaxa's thrilling 1-1 draw against América in Liga MX Apertura 2025.

A First Half Packed with Action

the match started with América dominating early. In the 26th minute, Raúl “La Pantera” Zúñiga broke the deadlock by scoring his first goal for América off an assist from Alexis Gutiérrez. The goal sent América fans into a frenzy as it looked like the visitors were now ready to take control. But Necaxa had other plans. Just before halftime, in the 43rd minute, Alexis Pena scored with a header off a superb corner kick from Agustin Palavecino. America's Kevin Alvarez saved the initial effort, but Diber Cambindo scored on the rebound, beating goalkeeper Luis Malagón, to tie the score at 1-1. After this dramatic moment, Necaxa took momentum and headed to the locker room, and prevented America from taking the lead into halftime.

Cambindo Shines as Necaxa’s Game-Changer

Diber Cambindo, often compared to Didier Drogba for his physicality and finishing, proved why he is a Necaxa fan favorite. His goal was a testament to his instincts and ability to take advantage of set pieces. After an impressive showing with 11 goals in the Clausura 2025 season, Cambindo’s goal against America added to his growing legacy in Liga MX. Fans praised his composure on the X, and some called him "the heart of Necaxa’s attack." His equalizing goal not only changed the momentum of the game, but also highlighted Necaxa’s resilience against a team as powerful as America.

Second Half: A Battle of Tactics and Missed Chances

Both teams pushed for victory in the second half, but the defense held strong. America coach André Jardine made tactical changes, bringing on substitutes Alejandro Zendejas and Rodrigo Aguirre in the 65th minute, and then Brian Rodriguez, Henry Martin and Jonathan dos Santos later in the match. Despite these changes, America had trouble converting chances, a repeat of their recent goalless loss to Toluca in the Campeon de Campeones. Necaxa, under Fernando Gago, stayed organized and counterattacked, but they were unable to score. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams playing evenly.

What This Means for Liga MX Standings

The draw has kept Necaxa competitive, and they have six points from three games in the Apertura 2025, signaling their intention to challenge the league’s top teams. For América, the result has increased the pressure to address their attacking weaknesses, especially with the Leagues Cup approaching. Although América still tops the table, their inability to get all three points raises questions about their consistency, especially after Malagón’s controversial handling of Cambindo’s goal.

Why This Match Matters for Fans

This encounter was more than just a match—it was a demonstration of the unpredictability and passion of Liga MX. Necaxa’s ability to hold their own against América, one of Mexico’s biggest clubs, shows the league’s competitive depth. Fans who want to see highlights can watch on Claro Sports or TV Azteca, where replays of Cambindo’s goal and Zúñiga’s first goal are already creating buzz. With the League Cup round the corner, both teams will be looking to build on this performance, making every match a must-watch for football lovers.