Necaxa vs América Showdown 2025: Lineups, Preview & Match Details

Club América may have added points in their opening games of the Liga MX Apertura 2025, but the mood around the club is anything but relaxed. After a crushing defeat in the Campeón de Campeones final at the hands of Toluca, André Jardine and his men are under immense pressure to prove they are genuine title contenders.

Now, they face an away challenge against Necaxa a team that has already shocked them once before and is hungry to do it again.

With their pride wounded and expectations sky-high, the question looms large: Can América bounce back and regain the trust of their fanbase? Or will Necaxa deliver yet another sting to the Coapa giants?

Let’s break it down in full.

The Story So Far: América’s Shaky Start to the Season

Despite sitting in a decent position in the early league standings, Club América‘s performances have raised eyebrows.

Matchday 1: A Nervy Start

The opening match against FC Juárez ended in a 1-1 draw. While América managed to dominate possession and registered more shots on target, their inability to close out the game left fans frustrated. Defensive lapses and lack of creativity in the final third were evident.

Matchday 2: A Glimpse of Brilliance

Against Club Tijuana, however, the Azulcremas showcased why they’re considered one of Mexico’s footballing powerhouses. A convincing 3-1 win at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes gave supporters a glimpse of what this squad is capable of when it clicks.

Still, that success didn’t fully wash away the bitter taste of their Campeón de Campeones collapse.

The Emotional Blow: Losing to Toluca in Campeón de Campeones

Losing a trophy always stings—but losing to longtime rivals Toluca in a high-stakes match like the Campeón de Campeones is an entirely different level of heartbreak.

Played in front of thousands at Dignity Health Sports Park in California, América had everything to prove. But it was Toluca who brought the fire. The Diablos Rojos walked away with a well-deserved victory, while América left with questions and criticisms hanging over their heads.

Club América players look dejected after losing to Toluca in Campeón de Campeones 2025

This defeat didn’t just cost them silverware it fractured the fans’ confidence in Jardine’s system. And now, they must answer back.

Why This Necaxa Match Matters So Much

This isn’t just another regular-season game for América. It’s a must-win. A loss—or even a draw—would further widen the gap between fans and players. Jardine knows that only a dominant display will begin to mend that divide.

Panther Zúñiga: The Surprise Starter

A bold move from Jardine sees young forward Panther Zúñiga start this match. It’s a risky call, but one that could spark new energy up front. Zúñiga has shown flashes of brilliance in youth levels, and this may be his breakout moment.

Necaxa’s Recent Form: Underdogs with Bite

Don’t sleep on Necaxa. The Rayos may not have the star-studded lineup of América, but they’ve shown grit, pace, and purpose early in this tournament.

Opening Loss, Followed by Redemption

Necaxa opened their campaign with a tough 3-1 loss to reigning champions, but bounced back with a strong performance against Querétaro, sealing a 3-1 victory. They’ve found rhythm quickly and will be fired up to deliver a statement win at home.

Previous Meeting: Necaxa 3-2 América

The Rayos still have fond memories of their 3-2 victory over América in the previous tournament. That result showed they could punch above their weight and they’ll be aiming to replicate it this weekend.

Head-to-Head History: América Holds the Edge

Historically, Club América has dominated this fixture—but not overwhelmingly.

Matches played: 55
América wins: 27
Necaxa wins: 15
Draws: 13

While Coapa holds the edge, the numbers also show that Necaxa is no pushover. Especially at home.

Date, Time, and Venue: All You Need to Know

Fixture: Necaxa vs Club América
Date: Saturday, July 26, 2025
Time: 9:05 PM CDMX / 11:05 PM ET
Venue: Estadio Victoria, Aguascalientes

Confirmed Lineups for Matchday 3

Necaxa Starting XI:

Luis Unsain
Alexis Peña
Tomas Jacob
Cristian Calderón
Kevin Rosero
Agustín Palavecino
Diego de Buen
Johan Rojas
José Rodríguez
Diber Cambindo
Ricardo Monreal

Club América Starting XI:

Luis Malagón
Israel Reyes
Kevin Álvarez
Cristian Borja
Ramón Juárez
Álvaro Fidalgo
Isaiah Violante
Alan Cervantes
Alexis Gutiérrez
Víctor Dávila
José Zúñiga

Players to Watch: Who Can Make the Difference?

For América:

Álvaro Fidalgo: The midfield maestro will be key in controlling tempo and unlocking Necaxa’s backline.
Kevin Álvarez: His runs down the flank and ability to whip in dangerous crosses could break open the match.
Panther Zúñiga: All eyes will be on the young forward. If he scores, expect headlines.

For Necaxa:

Diber Cambindo: A powerful presence up front, Cambindo can punish América if given space.
Cristian Calderón: His experience and leadership at the back could be crucial against América’s attacking trio.

Tactical Breakdown

América’s Likely Game Plan

Expect Jardine to emphasize possession and wing play. With Fidalgo orchestrating in midfield and Álvarez providing width, the strategy will be to stretch Necaxa’s backline and find gaps.

However, defensive fragility especially on counters remains a concern. If Necaxa can intercept in midfield, América may find themselves exposed.

Necaxa’s Counterpunching Setup

Necaxa will likely sit deep, absorb pressure, and look to hit América on the break. Cambindo and Palavecino will be the main outlets, supported by quick transitions and smart midfield distribution.

Their home crowd will provide a boost and they’ll look to capitalize on any emotional letdowns from América.

What’s at Stake?

For América: Redemption, morale, and fan confidence. Another poor result could bring unwanted scrutiny to Jardine’s position.
For Necaxa: A golden chance to take down a giant, climb the standings, and prove last tournament’s win wasn’t a fluke.

Expert Prediction

This is shaping up to be a tightly contested affair. While América boasts more individual talent, Necaxa’s team cohesion and home support give them a fighting chance.

Prediction: América 2-2 Necaxa

Fidalgo and Zúñiga on the scoresheet for América
Cambindo and Palavecino scoring for Necaxa

Final Thoughts: Will América Rise or Fall?

Saturday night’s clash at Estadio Victoria isn’t just another game it’s a test of character, strategy, and grit.

For Club América, it’s a shot at redemption. For Necaxa, it’s a chance to repeat history. For fans? It’s a 90-minute rollercoaster you won’t want to miss.