Club América opened up the Clausura 2026 with a scoreless draw against Tijuana. The game was one filled with history as the SAOT, the Semi-Automatic Offside Technology, made its debut in the league. Some considered the decision to be a controversial one but that does not take away the fact that the Aguilas were flat in their season opener when most expected them to come out swinging.
Both teams attempted to put pressure on their opponents early on, trying to catch the defense in an early error. The
first 10 minutes were all Tijuana as they had possession of the ball and tried to take an early lead when youngster Gilberto Mora headed the ball towards the net but the Aguilas defense held firm. The visitors didn’t have their first chance at goal until the 15th minute thanks to Alexis Gutierrez who was able to get the ball to Rodrigo Aguirre but the Uruguayan was unable to finish his shot.
Then it was in the 24th minute when the new technology made its appearance in Mexico. Frenchman Allan Saint-Maxim stole the ball and made his way into Tijuana’s box. He then sent the ball to the other side where Aguirre was there to head it towards the center where Raul Zuñiga headed the ball into the back of the net. The goal was immediately called back due to the SAOT system that found Zuñiga was in an offside position.
It can be debated that this play was the most exciting part of the match as this game was an example of a matchday one game. Both teams looked rusty but it was Tijuana who looked better than the Aguilas. The visitors struggled throughout the game as they were missing a few key players. Erick Sanchez, Alejandro Zendejas, Isais Violante and Henry Martin were missing from the game due to injuries. Martin hasn’t been available for a while now as he’s suffered with injuries for some time now and this time he suffered a hamstring injury that will have him sidelined for about four games. América fans haven’t seen an in-form Martin in what feels like ages and they might just have to accept that the Henry Martin that helped win the tricampeonato might not return. The youngster Violante was not a big miss since he’s just starting out his career with the team but he will be missed as an option for a second half sub. On the other hand, Zendejas and Sanchez were big absences. Those two players have been critical for the Aguilas over the last few tournaments and their presences were missed. They are players who can create something out of nothing and that was what the Aguilas needed against Tijuana. Especially because the two forwards, Aguirre and Zuñiga were not performing at the level they should. Jardine is going to need to figure out the forwards situation because even with all that star power he has up top his players are not as threatening as they once were.
If not for SAOT, Club América could have come out on top in their season opener instead they ended with a scoreless draw against Tijuana. At one point, the Aguilas were a threatening team but those days seem far gone. Jardine will need to find a way to fix the issues he has with his team if he wants his club to have a chance to fight for the trophy this season.
