GLENDALE, Ariz. — Alexis Vega ended his 19-match scoreless run in international competitions by netting a goal in the 49th minute, leading defending champions Mexico to a 2-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Gold Cup on Saturday night.
Mexico will clash with Honduras in the semifinals on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California. Earlier in the evening, Honduras overcame Panama in a penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw in regulation.
The 27-year-old Vega’s goal came after he capitalized on a well-timed pass from Raúl Jimenez. Vega’s initial attempt was deflected by goalkeeper Nawaf Alaquidi, but he managed to collect the rebound and score by threading the ball through Alaquidi’s legs.
Initially flagged offside, Vega’s goal was ultimately validated after a review, giving Mexico a 1-0 advantage. The team’s coach, Javier Aguirre, expressed his satisfaction with their performance, especially post-halftime, and emphasized their positive momentum heading into the semifinals.
“It was an A-plus,” noted Aguirre of the team’s performance.
Vega’s goal was significant, as it ended his personal scoreless period dating back to 2022, and marked Mexico’s first goal after a 166-minute drought. Their previous group stage match had concluded in a scoreless draw with Costa Rica.
Mexico extended their lead to 2-0 in the 81st minute thanks to an own goal by Saudi Arabia’s Abdullah Madu. During the sequence, Mateo Chavez sent a crossing ball intended for Roberto Alvarado, but it deflected off Madu and found its way into the net.
In a fiercely contested first half, both teams struggled to break the deadlock. Shortly before halftime, tensions heightened as Saudi Arabia’s Ali Majrashi and Mexico’s Jesús Gallardo received yellow cards after an altercation. Gallardo’s accumulation of yellow cards means he will miss the semifinal showdown.
Midfielder Luis Chávez was absent due to a torn right ACL sustained during training. In his stead, Gilberto Mora made his international debut, playing until the 73rd minute at the age of 16 years, 8 months, and 14 days. “He doesn’t have any limits right now,” praised Aguirre. “He has room to grow and is eager to learn.”
Mexico, competing in the Gold Cup knockout stage for the 18th successive time, is two matches away from clinching a record 10th title. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia, participating in the Gold Cup for the first time as a guest, advanced to the quarterfinals after a win over Haiti, a loss to the U.S., and a draw with Trinidad and Tobago.
Historically, Saudi Arabia has not recorded a victory over Mexico, with a record of six losses and one draw. As the tournament progresses, Mexico’s sights remain firmly set on furthering their championship legacy with two more victories.