Winger Opened the Scoring for Club America Before Their Heartbreaking Exit in Apertura 2025 Playoffs
Alejandro Zendejas delivered a moment of individual brilliance for Club America during their dramatic 2-1 victory over Monterrey, though it ultimately wasn't enough to prevent their elimination from the 2025 Apertura quarterfinals. The 27-year-old winger's opening goal gave Las Aguilas hope in their quest to overturn a 2-0 first-leg deficit.
Zendejas's strike arrived in the 29th minute at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, showcasing his technical ability and composure under immense pressure. The United States international collected the ball outside the penalty area, skillfully shifted it onto his left foot, and unleashed a low-driven shot that beat Monterrey goalkeeper Luis Cardenas. The goal ignited the home crowd and gave America the lifeline they desperately needed.
The winger's influence extended far beyond his goal. Zendejas was instrumental throughout the contest, creating two scoring chances and delivering dangerous service into the box. His two accurate crosses proved vital to America's attacking efforts, including a delivery late in the first half that nearly led to a second goal when it found Rodrigo Aguirre, whose header struck the crossbar.
Zendejas's tireless work rate was evident in the match statistics—he won 11 duels, the most of any player on the pitch—and he was fouled six times as Monterrey struggled to contain his attacking threat. His defensive contributions included five tackles and seven recoveries, demonstrating his commitment to the team's cause during the high-stakes encounter.
Despite Jose Zuniga's second-half goal, German Berterame's stoppage-time header crushed their dreams. The 3-2 aggregate defeat ended America's hopes of reaching the semifinals for an eighth consecutive occasion, leaving Zendejas and his teammates to rue what might have been in a thrilling quarterfinal clash filled with controversy.
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