Overview
- Mexico’s Disciplinary Committee ruled América did not field an improper lineup after the chaotic substitutions in the 3-3 first leg against Pumas.
- Pumas carry the tiebreak edge because Liga MX advances the higher seed on aggregate draws in early rounds, so a draw at home would send them through.
- The controversy stemmed from América defender Sebastián Cáceres leaving with a concussion and fractured cheekbone, which triggered late changes and Pumas’ complaint.
- América striker Henry Martín criticized Pumas for trying to win “at the table,” while Pumas captain Keylor Navas said the team would ignore the noise and focus on the match.
- América travel without Cáceres and Cristian Borja and released Israel Reyes to the national team, adding to selection headaches for the deciding game at Ciudad Universitaria.