Zendejas' Late Penalty

In the First Leg of the Liga MX Clausura Quarterfinal, the American Converted the Equalizer From the Spot

Alejandro Zendejas delivered when it mattered most, converting a late penalty in the 85th minute to earn Club América a 3-3 draw against Pumas UNAM in the first leg of their Clausura 2026 quarterfinal on Sunday.

The American winger stepped up to the spot after Henry Martín was fouled in the box by Nathan Silva, and Zendejas made no mistake, driving a left-footed effort into the bottom right corner. It was a composed finish in a high-pressure moment, and one that leaves the tie finely balanced heading into the second leg.

It capped a busy evening for Zendejas individually. He led both sides in touches with 88, took five shots over the course of the match, and created two chances. He was involved throughout, though the 25% shot accuracy and a single-digit crossing success rate suggested it was not always a polished performance. He hit the woodwork on one occasion and was dispossessed during some of his six dribble attempts, completing just one.

The match itself was overshadowed by a controversy involving a substitution irregularity, with Pumas preparing to file a formal complaint over the brief exit and return of Miguel Vázquez during a triple substitution around the hour mark. The incident arose after Sebastián Cáceres suffered a head injury, forcing América to restructure their planned changes mid-sequence. Early indications suggest the regulations may favor América's position, with the referee having approved the adjustment on concussion grounds, but the Disciplinary Commission will have the final say.

Whatever the outcome of that dispute, Zendejas' penalty ensures América has something to show from the first leg, and gives the American winger a moment of genuine significance on a complicated night.