The Liga MX Apertura 2025 season kicked off with an intriguing fixture between FC Juárez and Club América at the Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez on July 12, 2025. The match ended in a balanced 1-1 draw, with both teams showing moments of promise but also areas that need improvement.

This article provides a comprehensive review of the match, analyzing key moments, player performances, tactical setups, and what this result means for both teams as they begin their campaigns.

Match Summary

The game started at a lively pace with FC Juárez taking advantage of their home support and pressing aggressively in the opening stages. The home side showed great intensity and looked to create chances through quick transitions.

Club América, a Liga MX powerhouse with a rich history and a roster filled with talent, sought to control possession and build patiently from the back. Their coach, Jardine, set up the team in a 4-3-3 formation aiming to exploit the wings and maintain midfield control.

First Half

Juárez broke the deadlock in the 23rd minute when forward Erick Sánchez capitalized on a defensive error to slot the ball past Club América’s goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. The goal electrified the home crowd and gave Juárez an early advantage.

América responded with more possession and pressure, but Juárez's disciplined defense limited clear-cut chances. Midfield battles were intense, and both sides struggled to find rhythm in attack as the half progressed.

The first half ended 1-0 in favor of FC Juárez.

Second Half

The second half saw Club América increase their attacking tempo. Substitutions by coach Jardine brought fresh legs into midfield and attack, helping América regain control.

Their persistence paid off in the 67th minute when Henry Martín equalized with a clinical finish inside the penalty box after a well-worked team move.

The rest of the game featured end-to-end action, with Juárez pushing for a winner but América defending resiliently. Goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa made some crucial saves to preserve the draw.

The match concluded 1-1, a fair result given the competitive nature of the game.

Tactical Analysis

FC Juárez

Under coach Martín Varini, Juárez showed a compact defensive structure and quick counter-attacks. Their 4-4-2 formation allowed them to stay solid in midfield and make forward runs effectively.

Erick Sánchez was the standout performer for Juárez, showing sharp positioning and finishing skills. The midfield duo worked hard to disrupt América’s rhythm, but Juárez sometimes struggled to maintain possession in key areas.

The team’s pressing was effective early on but faded slightly in the second half, allowing América more time on the ball.

Club América

Club América played a possession-based game, with emphasis on wing play and quick interchanges. The 4-3-3 setup facilitated fluid attacking movements but occasionally left gaps in midfield during transitions.

Henry Martín’s goal was a result of good movement and teamwork. Midfielder Jonathan Rodríguez helped control the tempo but faced stiff resistance from Juárez’s midfield.

Guillermo Ochoa’s experience was vital in organizing the defense and making key saves.

Player Performances

• Erick Sánchez (Juárez): 8/10 – Scored a well-taken goal and constantly troubled the América defense with intelligent runs.

• Guillermo Ochoa (América): 9/10 – Outstanding in goal with several important saves to keep his team in the match.

• Henry Martín (América): 7.5/10 – Scored the equalizer and showed good link-up play.

• Martín Nervo (Juárez): 7/10 – Solid defensive display, particularly in the first half.

• Jonathan Rodríguez (América): 7/10 – Controlled the midfield but was limited by Juárez’s pressing.