Surprise win for Club América against Premier League Opposition
By Sam Plummer
Club América bounced back from a poor 3-0 loss to Chelsea by beating next season's UEFA Champions League outfit Aston Villa. The English side are managed by Unai Emery, a former PSG, Arsenal and Sevilla manager who has won the UEFA Europa League four times. The game was held at the Soldier Field in Chicago.
Unai Emery as at the helm for the Premier League club. A former PSG, Arsenal and Sevilla manager who has won the UEFA Europa League four times.
André Jardine fielded a strong lineup, being their last friendly before entering the Leagues Cup. In-form Javairo Dilrosun and Henry Martin headed the attack, with Sebastíen Caceres and Israel Reyes playing a key role in defence.
Emery opted for a more rotated side, remaining a few weeks out from the start of the Premier League campaign. European Championship stars Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans and John McGinn started in midfield whilst Champions League runner-up and new signing Ian Maatsen started at Left Back.
Despite the quality of the Birminghamshire club, América won the game in the 77th minute. Pushing a high back line from Villa, Igor Lichnovsky slotted Illian Hernández through on goal and was able to carress his effort beyond the on-rushing Joe Gauci.
Now, Las Águilas must wait until the conclusion of the Leagues Cup group stage to meet their Round of 16 opponent.