When Club América and Club Puebla walked onto the pitch of Estadio Azteca on Sunday, January 22, 2023, few expected a draw to be the final story.
The clash, part of the Liga MX Clausura 2023, ended 2‑2, leaving the Eagles with their third consecutive stalemate and Puebla still hunting that elusive away win. The match kicked off in the late afternoon under a cloud‑spotted sky, and within minutes the tension was palpable.
Match overview and key moments
The first half fizzled out at 0‑0, a quiet prelude that surprised the home crowd. A three‑minute stoppage‑time added before the break, yet no clear chances materialised. The second half changed tone quickly. Brian Rodríguez stretched his legs down the right wing, showcasing the "good penetrative play" that reporters at AS.com highlighted.
It wasn’t long before Puebla capitalised. A corner in the 58th minute floated toward Gastón Silva, who rose above the defense and nodded the ball past Óscar Jiménez — the goal that levelled the score at 1‑1.
América answered in the 67th minute. Zendejas surged into the box, met a perfect cross and hammered a volley into the top corner. The stadium erupted; the Eagles believed they had reclaimed the lead.
Only minutes later, Silva struck again, this time from a loose ball inside the box, restoring Puebla’s parity at 2‑2. The final whistle blew with both sides sharing the spoils.
Player performances and tactical notes
Beyond the goal scorers, the match offered a mosaic of individual battles. The América goalkeeper, identified only as Martín, made several reflex saves but was caught out on the corner that Silva converted.
Defensively, both sides committed a flurry of fouls – 12 recorded by Bleacher Report – a sign of the high‑stakes atmosphere. Notable infractions included A. Burgos in the 31st minute and R. Marín at 52′, each earning yellow cards.
From a tactical angle, América’s coach opted for a high‑press after the half‑time break, trying to force Puebla into mistakes. It worked briefly, but the set‑piece against them proved costly. Puebla, on the other hand, sat deeper, relying on quick transitions and the aerial threat of Silva.
"We knew the Azteca crowd would be unforgiving," said Coach Ignacio Ambriz in the post‑match interview. "The draw hurts, but the spirit in the team remains strong. We’ll tighten up on corners."
Historical rivalry and statistics
Since 2004 the two clubs have met 43 times. América leads the head‑to‑head with 22 victories, 6 defeats and 15 draws—a clear dominance reflected in a 75‑45 goal tally according to SoccerPunter.com.
Yet the 2023‑24 season has shifted dynamics. Puebla, perched at 18th in the league, entered the match with zero wins in their last seven away trips. América, despite a solid home record of six wins in seven Liga MX games at the Azteca, had just failed to win either of their previous two Clausura fixtures.
In terms of points, the draw leaves América on five points after three matches (1‑2‑0), while Puebla remains stuck at three points, barely escaping the relegation‑danger zone.
Implications for the Clausura 2023 campaign
The Eagles need a win to break the three‑match draw streak that has seen them slip to third place, just a handful of points off the leaders. A victory would also restore confidence in their attacking trio, especially after Rodríguez’s wing work went unrewarded.
For Puebla, the result is a modest step forward. Grabbing a point on the road halts a seven‑game winless streak away from home and injects a dose of belief into a squad fighting to climb out of the bottom quartile.
Analysts at TUDN MEX noted that the match highlighted América’s lingering issues with set‑pieces, an area that could be exploited by future opponents. Conversely, Puebla’s resilience in the second half suggests they might pose a bigger threat than their table position implies.
Fan reactions and media coverage
Social media lit up with mixed emotions. A popular fan page posted, "¡Qué fútbol! 2‑2, but we need the win, América!" while Puebla supporters celebrated the away point with the hashtag #PueblaResurge.
Traditional outlets – AS.com, TUDN MEX and Sofascore – all echoed the sentiment that the draw was a "missed opportunity" for the home side. The match timeline released by Bleacher Report listed 22 fouls, 5 yellow cards and two substitutions for each team in the closing minutes, underscoring the intensity.
Looking ahead, the next round sees América facing Club León at home, a clash that could finally break the stalemate streak. Puebla travels to Monterrey, hoping to turn the tide and secure their first away win of the season.
Key facts
- Date: Sunday, 22 January 2023
- Venue: Estadio Azteca, Mexico City
- Final score: Club América 2 – 2 Club Puebla
- Goal scorers: Gastón Silva (58′), Zendejas (67′), Silva (71′)
- América points after match: 5 (3rd place)
- Puebla points after match: 3 (18th place)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the draw affect Club América’s chances of qualifying for the playoffs?
The single point keeps América in third place, but the three‑match draw streak means they’re now only two points behind the leaders. A win in the next round is essential to maintain a realistic playoff push.
What does the result mean for Club Puebla’s relegation battle?
Securing a point on the road stops their seven‑game away winless run and lifts them to three points. While still in the bottom‑three, the draw eases immediate pressure and could be a stepping stone to a crucial win.
Who were the standout performers in the match?
Zendejas impressed with a spectacular volley, while Gastón Silva proved decisive for Puebla, scoring twice and battling aerially against América’s defense.
What tactical adjustments might América make after the draw?
Coach Ambriz is likely to drill set‑piece defending, given Puebla’s corner goal, and may rotate the midfield to inject more creativity, aiming to convert wing play into clear chances.
When is the next match for both clubs?
Club América hosts Club León on February 5, 2023, while Club Puebla travels to Monterrey on the same weekend, each looking to turn their recent form around.
