“Mexico’s Bold Path to Gold Cup Semifinals: Breaking Down the 2-0 Win”

Arizona’s Glendale, June 29, 2025 — Breaking Down the 2-0 Win Mexico defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 in the quarterfinals on Saturday night, securing a trip to the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals. Alexis Vega broke the tie early in the second half of the game, which was contested at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.A late defensive error from Saudi Arabia handed Mexico the winning edge
Vega Puts Mexico Ahead by Ending the Goal Drought
Alexis Vega gave Mexico the lead in the 49th minute after the first half ended without a goal. The Toluca attacker calmly tucked home the rebound after his first attempt was stopped by Saudi goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi after latching onto a through pass from Raúl Jiménez. A brief VAR review reversed the ruling and the goal remained in place even though the assistant referee raised the flag for offside.

“Mexico vs Saudi Arabia: Quarterfinal Highlights”

Vega ended a lengthy scoring drought with the goal, his seventh for the national team and his first in 19 international games. In celebration, he raised teammate Luis Chávez’s jersey, who was disqualified from the competition because of an ACL tear sustained during practice before to the quarterfinal.

Mexico Gets Past Important Absences
Mexico coach Javier Aguirre made daring decisions despite losing two important midfield players: Luis Chávez due to injury and César Montes due to suspension. Most significantly, “In a historic move, he handed 16-year-old Gilberto Mora his senior debut for Mexico, making the teenager the youngest player ever to represent the national team.” of 16 years and 219 days.

In a fierce, physical contest against a Saudi Arabian team that had only given up two goals in the group stage, Mora held his own and his inclusion was a historic occasion.

The first half ends physically without any goals.
Neither team had many offensive opportunities in the first half. With only one shot on goal, Mexico’s fury boiled over. “Following a heated exchange, Saudi Arabia’s Ali Majrashi and Mexico’s Jesús Gallardo each received a yellow card.” Gallardo will miss the semifinal because of his caution, which is his second of the tournament.

The win is secured by the late own goal.
Mexico was rewarded in the 81st minute for their persistent efforts to score a second goal. Mateo Chávez’s cross was attempted to be connected with by substitute Santiago Giménez, but Saudi defender Abdullah Madu unintentionally redirected the ball into his own net.

Saudi Arabia’s ambitions were essentially dashed by the own goal, which also guaranteed Mexico’s spot in the semifinals, where they will play Honduras on Wednesday in Santa Clara, California.

The Semifinal Road
“Mexico topped their group after securing wins over Suriname and the Dominican Republic, along with a draw against Costa Rica, earning their spot in the quarterfinals.” After defeating the “For the first time in Gold Cup history, Saudi Arabia advanced to the knockout stage by securing results against Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti, despite falling to the United States.”

Gazing Ahead
Mexico hopes to win a record-tying 10th Concacaf championship and defend their Gold Cup title, and they are now only one victory away from another final. El Tri is dedicated and committed to maintaining its winning momentum in spite of injuries and bans.

Mexico defeated Saudi Arabia 2-0 on Saturday night in Glendale, Arizona, securing their spot in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup semifinals. El Tri took the lead early in the second half thanks to a goal from Alexis Vega, and Saudi Arabia’s late own goal completed the victory.

Mexico recovered their flow after the half, despite a sluggish first half and the absence of several important players. César Montes was suspended, and star midfielder Luis Chávez was sidelined due to a severe ACL injury sustained during practice. Gilberto Mora, 16, became the youngest player to ever play for Mexico when head coach Javier Aguirre made him his senior squad debut in a daring move.
Due to both teams’ inability to generate clear opportunities, the first half finished without any goals. When Saudi Arabia’s Ali Majrashi and Mexico’s Jesús Gallardo were sent off for a brawl late in the first half, tensions were running high. Gallardo will miss the semifinal because of accumulation as a result of his booking.

The second half saw Mexico emerge stronger. Raúl Jiménez gave Alexis Vega a deft through pass in the 49th minute. Vega’s first attempt was stopped, but he scored his eighth goal for his country—his first in 19 games—by jumping on the rebound. VAR verified the goal even though it was initially flagged offside.

In the 81st minute, a cross from substitute Mateo Chávez created chaos in the Saudi defense, leading to an own goal by Abdullah Madu.
With the victory, Mexico advances to the semifinals and will play Honduras in Santa Clara, California, on Wednesday. El Tri will try to maintain their successful tournament run with the hopes of retaining their title and winning a record 10th Concacaf Gold Cup trophy.