Pachuca stuns Liga MX leader América 2-1 as Oussama Idrissi scores late winner

Final: América 1, Pachuca 2. Pachuca pulled off an upset over Liga MX leader Club América on Sunday night, Oct. 25, winning 2-1 in Mexico City in Week 14 (Jornada 14) of the Apertura 2026. Oussama Idrissi scored the winner in the 74th minute with a shot from outside the box.

The loss snapped América’s five-match unbeaten run, Sporting News reported, and VAVEL noted it was the Eagles’ first home loss of the tournament. Even so, América stayed in first place in the standings.

América vs. Pachuca: how the goals came

• Bautista’s opener: Bautista pounced on a loose ball at the edge of the area and finished first time, according to Sporting News.
• Martín’s equalizer: About 30 seconds into the second half, Henry Martín chested in a precise cross from Erick “Chiquito” Sánchez at the far post.
• Idrissi’s winner: Salomón Rondón brought the ball down with his chest and set up Idrissi, who curled it into the top corner past goalkeeper Luis Malagón, VAVEL reported.

The VAR moments

The first half had two lengthy video reviews. In the 21st minute, the referee awarded Pachuca a penalty for a challenge by Malagón. After a VAR review, the call was overturned because the goalkeeper played the ball at the moment of contact, VAVEL reported.

VAR also looked at an incident in which América’s Carlos Álvarez covered his mouth while speaking to Pachuca’s Sergio Barreto. Officials decided it did not merit a red card, Sporting News reported, despite what the outlet called the “Ley Prestianni,” a rule aimed at players covering their mouths when talking to opponents.

Late in the match, Pachuca goalkeeper Carlos Moreno saved a header and a free kick as América pushed for an equalizer, according to VAVEL.

What Guillermo Almada and Benjamín Mora said

América coach Guillermo Almada didn’t sugarcoat it. “It was the match I liked least of the period we’ve had at the club,” he said, according to TUDN (translated). He pointed to his team’s failure to press and its sloppy passing.

“If you don’t play well and you don’t outplay the opponent, your chances of winning the game close off,” Almada said (translated). He also credited Moreno, saying the Pachuca keeper “had a great night.”

The match came during a tribute at the stadium to former América goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa. Pachuca coach Benjamín Mora told TUDN he did not think the win spoiled the occasion, calling Ochoa “perhaps the best goalkeeper in the history of our country” (translated).

Liga MX standings after Jornada 14

América’s lead held because neither of the closest chasers could catch them, Récord reported:

1. América: 27 points, still first, with a game in hand
2. Cruz Azul: moved into second after winning at Querétaro
3. Chivas: third on goal difference after winning at Monterrey

Pachuca entered the night 16th with 13 points, according to VAVEL. After the win, Récord listed the Tuzos 13th, level on points with 14th-place Puebla. With three matchdays left, Pachuca’s hopes of reaching the Liguilla playoffs are still alive.

What’s next

América plays its makeup match from Week 7 against Tijuana (Xolos) on Wednesday, Sporting News reported, a chance to stretch its lead at the top. Week 15 follows over the Halloween and Day of the Dead weekend.

FAQ