Alejandro Zendejas Scores, Salutes Jota in Apertura Opener

Alejandro Zendejas needed just 27 minutes of the new Liga MX campaign to remind everyone why he remains one of North America’s most watchable wide men. The U.S. international drove a low shot past Juárez goalkeeper Sebastián Jurado to earn Club América a 1-1 draw at Estadio Olímpico Benito Juárez, and his celebration—fingers forming the letter “J,” arms raised to the sky—was a heartfelt nod to the late Portuguese star Diogo Jota, whose sudden passing last month stunned the global game.

Alejandro Zendejas Makes Instant Impact

In a match that began cautiously, Alejandro Zendejas provided the spark. Latching on to Álvaro Fidalgo’s diagonal pass, the winger chopped inside, creating just enough space to unleash a left-footed drive into the far corner. The strike not only registered América’s first league goal of the Apertura 2025 season but also extended Zendejas’s personal run to six goal contributions in his last seven competitive outings.

Celebration Inspired by Diogo Jota

Zendejas revealed afterward that the celebration had been planned since news emerged of Jota’s fatal road accident. “Diogo was a player I studied and admired for his fearless movement,” he told reporters. “I never met him, but football connects us all.” The gesture quickly trended across social platforms, with Liverpool supporters and Portuguese fans thanking the American for keeping Jota’s memory alive.

What the Goal Means for Club América

While the reigning champs would have preferred three points, manager André Jardine praised the resilience shown after conceding an early header to Ángel Zaldívar. Zendejas’s equalizer settled nerves and allowed América to dictate possession for long spells. New signing Igor Lichnovsky looked comfortable in a back three, and Jonathan dos Santos orchestrated midfield with his usual poise. Yet Jardine knows that sharper finishing will be needed when Tijuana visit the Azteca next weekend.

International Implications

The goal arrives at a delicate moment for Alejandro Zendejas. Mauricio Pochettino’s decision to omit the 26-year-old from both Nations League and Gold Cup squads raised eyebrows, especially after Christian Pulisic’s calf strain. Sources close to U.S. Soccer insist Zendejas remains firmly in contention for the 2026 World Cup roster, citing his versatility on either flank and newfound consistency against high blocks. Expect national-team scouts to pack the stands if his purple patch continues.

Stat Corner

• 1 – Alejandro Zendejas is the first U.S. player to score in three consecutive Liga MX season openers.
• 5 – Key passes against Juárez, the most by any player on the pitch.
• 84% – Successful dribbles, underlining the winger’s growing efficiency.
• 90 – Minutes played; Jardine kept him on for the full match despite heavy preseason mileage.

Remembering Diogo Jota

Jota’s influence extended far beyond Merseyside. His ability to transition from central striker to roaming winger provided a template for modern forwards—one Alejandro Zendejas clearly internalized. “Diogo showed that you can be lethal without being the tallest or the fastest,” Zendejas said. “It’s about intelligence and timing.” A minute of silence preceded kickoff in several Liga MX venues this weekend, illustrating the breadth of Jota’s legacy.

Looking Ahead

Next up for Club América is a tricky home fixture against Tijuana, followed by the season’s first Clásico Joven versus Cruz Azul. Jardine confirmed that Julián Quiñones will return from suspension, potentially freeing Alejandro Zendejas for a more inverted role on the right—exactly where he produced his best numbers last term. Off the field, América’s marketing team is already planning a limited-edition shirt honoring Jota, with proceeds directed to the forward’s family foundation. The club’s gesture reinforces the transcendent community spirit at the heart of football.

Manager’s Verdict

“Alex gives us end product and emotion,” Jardine said post-match. “You saw how he carried the badge and also carried a friend he never met. That’s powerful.” The coach downplayed concerns over wasted chances, emphasizing that pre-season conditioning often lags in the opening fortnight. “Execution will come. The important thing is mentality, and Alejandro set that tone.”

Fan Reaction

Supporters responded with a mix of pride and empathy. “We lost two points but found a hero,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). American followers echoed the sentiment, calling for his immediate national-team reinstatement. Across the Atlantic, Portuguese outlets ran headlines thanking the Mexican giants for honoring one of their own.

USMNT Selection Debate

With friendlies against Brazil and England looming, pressure is mounting on Pochettino to reverse his stance. Alejandro Zendejas offers creativity in tight spaces—an element the national side sorely lacked during last month’s slog through the CONCACAF Nations League. Analysts believe his ability to combine with a marauding right-back could unlock defenses that stay compact against the United States.

Tactical Breakdown

Against Juárez’s 4-4-2 low block, América alternated between a 3-4-3 and a 3-2-5 in possession. Alejandro Zendejas hugged the touchline before darting inside at precisely timed moments, often dragging his full-back to create space for overlapping runs by Miguel Layún. His goal epitomized this pattern: hold width, beat the initial marker, cut inside, shoot early. Expect other Liga MX sides to study the tape and brace for similar sequences.

Transfer Rumblings

European scouts continue to monitor the Mexican-American’s progress. Sources in Eindhoven confirmed PSV’s interest, while Sporting CP, now seeking a replacement for their fallen icon Jota, have reportedly inquired about a winter move. Club América maintain they will not talk numbers until after the Apertura, but a release clause north of $10 million makes negotiations all but inevitable if his form persists.

Editorial Verdict

Alejandro Zendejas’s opener offered a poignant reminder that football remains a human story first and a tactical puzzle second. Goals change games, but gestures change hearts. In saluting Diogo Jota, the winger bridged continents and cultures, proving that the most enduring assists sometimes arrive after the final whistle.

Opinion: A draw may feel ordinary on paper, yet Zendejas’s tribute transformed a routine opener into an emotional landmark. If he can harness that same passion throughout the season, both Club América and the USMNT stand to benefit immensely.