América and Pachuca will face off with their star-studded lineups in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals at Estadio Azteca.
América seeks to bounce back after their loss in the Clásico Capitalino against Pumas last Saturday, prompting coach André Jardine to deploy all his weapons to secure an advantage in the series opener.
The only doubt within the América team was Igor Lichnovsky, who sustained a heavy blow to the leg but thankfully avoided a major injury. The Chilean defender strongly protested against the challenge from Piero Quispe, who escaped a red card.
Fortunately, Lichnovsky has recovered and will feature in América's central defense against Pachuca.
América will field the same starting eleven from last Saturday, led in goal by Luis Ángel Malagón. The defensive
lineup includes Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, Igor Lichnovsky, and Cristian Calderón. In midfield, Álvaro Fidalgo, Jonathan dos Santos, Alejandro Zendejas, Julián Quiñones, and Diego Valdés will take the field, with Henry Martín leading the attack.
Meanwhile, Pachuca rested their key players during their recent Liga MX match against Santos in preparation for their showdown at Estadio Azteca.
Pachuca's lineup features Carlos Moreno in goal, with Jorge Berlanga, Gustavo Cabral, Andrés Micolta, and Bryan González forming the defense. In midfield, Pedro Pedraza, Nelson Deossa, Emilio Rodríguez, Oussama Idrissi, and Erick Sánchez will control the game, while Salomón Rondón leads the attack.