Club Necaxa lost 2-4 at home to Club América on Saturday in a Liga MX Apertura match. A hat-trick from Henry Martín, featuring two penalties, overturned an early lead the Rayos had built.
Necaxa went ahead in the 37th minute through a goal from Owen González, assisted by Julián Carranza. Henry Martín equalised for América just two minutes later. Carranza, Necaxa's top scorer this season with 5 goals in 8 appearances, restored the lead from the penalty spot in the 43rd minute. However, Martín levelled again with another penalty deep into first-half stoppage time, in the 45+10th minute.
América's comeback
Miguel Borja put América ahead 2-3 in the 56th minute, capitalising on a Necaxa defence that has now conceded 16 goals this campaign. Henry Martín sealed the win with his third goal, another penalty, in the 75th minute. Necaxa, who had 53% possession and 14 shots, could not find a response.
The defeat leaves Club Necaxa in a difficult 17th place in the standings, with just 8 points from 9 games. Their recent form is a concern, with four losses and one draw in their last five outings. The team has now lost three consecutive league matches.
The manager made several substitutions in search of a reaction, bringing on Mauro Zaleta and Javier Ruiz after an hour. Raúl Martínez, Diego Ochoa and Ruiz himself were shown yellow cards. Necaxa's next fixture is a tough away trip to 11th-placed CF Pachuca on October 11th.
Uruguayan manager Guillermo Almada confirmed his victory took América to a share of the league lead. "It was a hard-fought victory," Almada stated. Necaxa, with 10 goals scored and 16 conceded this season, has now lost four of its last five matches. Their next fixture is against Pachuca on October 11.
