Malagón Reclaims Starting Job for América After Seven Months Out

Seven months without setting foot on the field. That's how long Luis Ángel Malagón had been away from América's goal, and now, just as the club celebrates its 110th anniversary, the goalkeeper returns to the starting lineup for the most special match of the year.

Guillermo Almada has already made the call: Malagón will start in goal for América against Rayados, according to ESPN. This isn't a consolation prize or a blind bet by the Uruguayan coach. The goalkeeper earned the job through his own performances during the FIFA break, where a couple of showings convinced Almada it was time to hand him back the gloves as the starter. Rodolfo Cota, who covered for him during his absence, returns to the bench.

How long had Malagón gone without playing for the Eagles? Since March 26, when América faced Philadelphia Union in the first leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup. Since then, the goalkeeper went through a recovery process that even included minutes with the Under-21 squad before fully rejoining the first team. Now, at last, he'll get his first official minutes of the Apertura 2026.

A full squad for the anniversary celebration

But Malagón's return isn't the only good news at Coapa. For the first time since the Apertura 2026 kicked off, Almada will have his entire squad available, a fitting complement to the club's 110th anniversary celebration.

The team's two most recent signings, Santiago Ramos Mingo and Santiago Bueno, have yet to make their official debut in América colors, and everything points to this weekend's match against Rayados as their first chance to get minutes in the tournament.

Adding to the good news is Alan Cervantes, who will reappear in the squad list after missing out on a call-up to the Mexican national team due to a muscle injury. The break created by the FIFA date in the league came at just the right time, allowing him to complete his recovery without rushing.

With all these pieces available, the Eagles' likely starting eleven shapes up with Malagón between the posts, Ramos Mingo, Israel Reyes, Emilio Lara and Cristian Borja across the back line, Cervantes, Érick Sánchez and Carlos Álvarez in midfield, and an attacking trio of Alejandro Zendejas, Miguel Borja and Henry Martín.

An América side at full strength, a goalkeeper returning after seven months away, and a milestone anniversary to boot. The stage is set for the Eagles to celebrate in style against Rayados.