América and León Prepare for High-Stakes Matches in Liga MX

LEÓN, Mexico — As Liga MX action heats up, América‘s goalkeeper Luis Ángel Malagón urges his team to maintain momentum ahead of crucial matches against Pumas and Toluca, as well as a three-game series against Chivas.

Malagón emphasized the importance of staying hungry amidst upcoming challenges, saying, “Now we have Pumas and Toluca, teams that invest heavily in their rosters, and Chivas, which is always a must-win. I hope the team continues with passion because that would be the worst thing that could happen to us.”

He pointed out the intense rivalry with Pumas, describing it as the fiercest among fans. The goalkeeper expressed a strong desire for victory, especially following a loss to Necaxa and a draw against León. “I think this classic is the most intense. It’s a unique atmosphere with opposing fans trying to impose their presence, making it a very beautiful match,” he said.

Despite the recent setbacks, Malagón remains hopeful, recalling last season’s struggles that ultimately led to the team becoming three-time champions. “It’s tough when we lose or draw; last season we were lost at one point, yet we came out on top,” said Malagón.

The match against Pumas represents a significant challenge for head coach André Jardine, who has yet to win against them in his tenure at América. Malagón stressed the desire to win, noting, “It’s not about revenge, but we approach every game wanting to win. The classics must be won, but the opponent plays a role; it’s a different tournament now.”

Meanwhile, León, who remain unbeaten, led by the Colombian star James Rodríguez, is set to face Tigres on February 22. Rodríguez has already secured two goals and four assists this season, showcasing his pivotal role in the team.

After a recent draw with América, James shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming match against Tigres. “I’ve wanted to help my teammates from day one, and they have been very supportive of me,” he said. “We’ve had tough matches, but we want to continue our good form.”

León currently leads the table with 20 points after eight games and looks to withstand the challenge posed by third-placed Tigres, who have won their last three matches in Liga MX and the CONCACAF Champions League.

Tigres manager Veljko Paunović has noted the need for vigilance against León, especially considering their last meeting in September ended in a 2-2 draw. “We must maintain our focus when they have the ball; without James, they still caused us trouble in the past,” he commented.

León coach Eduardo Berizzo praised Rodriguez’s contributions, especially in defense. “James contributed significantly by converting to a wider role and helping us defensively,” he remarked. “We possess great energy as a team, and James is integral to that.”