'We’re thinking about winning' – Henry Martín downplays officiating talk before Club América's quarterfinal tie with Pachuca

The first leg of the Liguilla quarterfinal between Pachuca and Club América was overshadowed by a controversial refereeing decision that has continued to stir debate. The incident occurred when Tuzos goalkeeper Carlos Moreno collided forcefully with Henry Martín. Moreno was initially shown a red card, but the VAR review overturned the decision, citing offside by the América striker.

While some questioned whether Moreno should have been sent off regardless of the offside ruling, Martín addressed the controversy on Friday during a press conference at Coapa. The forward made it clear that América is not dwelling on the refereeing. “Regarding what Pachuca’s coach said, he’s free to express his opinion,” said Martín. “As for the refereeing, my rib still hurts. It was a hard hit. On the field, with adrenaline running high, I understand the pressure both teams felt. They argued offside, but regardless of that, it was a direct blow to the player - and I told the referee as much. That’s how things unfolded. We’re not complaining or focusing on that. We have the ability to overcome any obstacle. We’re not thinking about the refereeing, we’re thinking about winning."

Martín, who returned just in time for the playoffs after missing two months with an Achilles tendon injury, emphasized the team’s hunger and ambition. “We’re going into this match with a good result, and now we’re at home with our fans. We have to make the stadium count,” he said.

Physically, Martín says he is back to full fitness and ready for the second leg. “The tendon is doing well. We worked hard to get me here, and we made it. I’m surprised by how quickly I’ve recovered. I’m grateful to the medical staff, the physios, and to God. I’ll give everything I’ve got. We’ve managed the pain, and for Saturday, I’m 100 percent.”

Looking ahead, Martín reflected on América’s pursuit of a historic fourth consecutive league title.

“What surprises me most about this team is the constant hunger for more. Even after being three-time champions, we finished second in the table despite many injuries. We remained competitive. In the Liguilla, this team grows stronger as the stakes rise," he said. "We can make history, and that motivates us. I was out for two months, watching from the stands, and I saw how the team never let up. The coach plays a big role in that. He instills that mentality of never settling. We have five games left to achieve the four-peat. That would leave our mark forever in América’s history.”

Adding to the club’s ambitions, América now has a second chance to qualify for the FIFA Club World Cup after FIFA officially confirmed a playoff match against LAFC. The opportunity comes after Club León was expelled from the competition, granting América a new lifeline. The match is tentatively set for May 31 at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, though the date and venue have yet to be finalized.

“This is our motivation: the chance to make history,” Martín stated. “That’s what drives us most. Who wouldn’t want to play in a Club World Cup? The elimination in the Champions Cup hurt us. This is our last shot—and we’re taking it.”

Las Águilas host Pachuca tonight in the second leg of the Liguilla quarterfinals. With the aggregate score tied 0–0, André Jardine’s side would advance to the semifinals with either a win or a draw.