América Loses Saint-Maximin Before Traveling to Monterrey for Quarterfinal First Leg

Club América suffered an unexpected setback just hours before traveling to Monterrey. The club confirmed that Allan Saint-Maximin will miss the first leg of the Apertura 2025 Quarterfinals, a matchup that demands América’s strongest attacking lineup from the start. The French winger was ruled out at a crucial moment, forcing head coach André Jardine to adjust his plan.

Rayados come into the series after falling to Chivas in their final league match, while América is also coming off a loss to Toluca. Both teams are looking to strike first in a series expected to deliver pace, intensity, and pressure from minute one. Saint-Maximin developed flu symptoms that kept him in Mexico City. He did not travel with the squad, and the medical staff decided not to risk him so close to the match. Still, América believes he may recover in time for the second leg, where they hope to have a full-strength lineup.

The first leg will be played at the Estadio BBVA — “El Gigante de Acero” — where Rayados will attempt to dictate the tempo with their star-studded roster. América will try to withstand the pressure without one of their key offensive weapons and keep the series within reach for the return match in México City. The club’s objective is to have Saint-Maximin ready for Saturday at 5:00 PM, when América hosts Monterrey at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes.

The coaching staff is monitoring his recovery closely, hoping to reintegrate him in time for the decisive match — where one moment can shift the entire trajectory of the quarterfinal. Saint-Maximin is eager to be on the pitch for the second leg, but everything now depends on how his body responds in the next 48 hours.