Pachuca’s goal: Nicolás Ibáñez scored the 1-1 against América in Liga MX | VIDEO

Pachuca was the absolute leader of the regular phase of the Liga MX Closing Tournament 2022, but must demonstrate its power in the league. In the semifinals, the ‘Tuzos’ face Club América and started losing in the first leg, but equalized shortly after the end, with a penalty goal by Nicolás Ibáñez.

The match was approaching 76 minutes and the ‘Eagles’ were withdrawn on their field, before the control of the ball that the opponent had. Despite the encouragement of their fans at the Azteca Stadium, the team was satisfied with the result and took great defensive precautions, at the request of coach Fernando Ortiz.

However, Pachuca was patient and found a clear opportunity to attack, with a pass between the lines to Avilés Hurtado. The Colombian striker entered the area and beat goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, but fell abruptly before finishing. Referee Jorge Antonio Pérez Durán was nearby and said there was no penalty.

The ‘Tuzos’ claimed and, after a few moments, the VAR decided to intervene, since they observed a contact. According to the analysis of the images, Jorge Sánchez touched the rival attacker with his knee and this generated a penalty. The regret in the ‘Eagles’ was evident, since initially they seemed to come out with flying colors.

Immediately, Nicolás Ibáñez took possession of the ball and placed it on the designated point, with full confidence in converting. Following the referee’s signal, the striker shot towards the right post of Guillermo Ochoa, who launched himself towards the other post. For now the forces are even and everything will be defined in the second leg, on Sunday, May 22 (8:06 pm).