Alvaro Fidalgo reflects on Club America's Liguilla elimination 'we could do much more'

Club America fell to Toluca in the 2022 Liga MX Apertura semi final, losing 3-2 over two legs to be eliminated from contention. The Devils first triumphed 2-1, before drawing 1-1 at the Estadio Azteca on Saturday to secure their place in the final. 

The second leg match saw chaos at the Coloso de Santa Ursula to close out the series. 

The Mexico City side initially kicked off stronger, dominating throughout the first half before conceding in the 29th minute. Though they retaliated quickly with a goal of their own by Alejandro Zendejas just six minutes later, it wasn’t until late in the second half that America found themselves dangerous on the front foot again. 

With time running out, Henry Martin made one last attempt in the 94th minute. The El Tri figure rocketed the ball past goalkeeper Tiago Volpi and into the back of the net to send Estadio Azteca into an absolute frenzy. But as good as the goal may have been, VAR ruled offside to halt celebrations. 

Despite the final efforts, America player Alvaro Fidalgo admitted the team could have done “much more” to triumph over Toluca. 

"I think we did not play as we had been doing, we did not have the fluidity, the football, we did not have clarity, then again a set piece and we received a goal again, we were attacking but in the end you are left with the feeling that we could do much more,” he said after the game. 

"We had generated a lot of enthusiasm, it had been the best tournament since I was here and but yes we are very screwed. It is clear that everything that is not winning, despite the leadership, record of things, we know that not winning the league is a failure and little more can be said.”

Club America now heads into the offseason, with months to prepare before the 2023 Liga MX Clausura kicks off on January 6th.