Raul Jimenez Shines as Mexico Triumphs Over Panama to Secure Nations League Glory

Raul Jimenez was the hero for Mexico, netting two goals in a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over Panama to secure the CONCACAF Nations League title for the first time on Sunday.

The Fulham striker, who previously scored a brace in the semi-final against Canada, calmly slotted a penalty into the net during stoppage time to clinch a thrilling final at SoFi Stadium.

However, Mexico’s triumph was overshadowed by controversy as the match was interrupted in the dying minutes due to homophobic chanting from some Mexican fans.

This marks the third consecutive CONCACAF Nations League final that has been halted because of such offensive behaviour, which has plagued Mexico’s supporters for years, despite ongoing efforts from CONCACAF to address it.

Jimenez, 33, converted the match-winning penalty in the second minute of added time after Panama defender Jose Cordoba unnecessarily extended his arm to block a cross, leading to the handball decision.

Post-match, Jimenez expressed his gratitude towards Mexico’s coach Javier Aguirre, who returned to the helm in 2024 for his third stint, having previously managed the team in 2001-2002 and 2009-2010.

“This is what we aimed for from day one, since ‘Vasco’ (Aguirre) took charge,” Jimenez remarked, using Aguirre’s affectionate nickname.

“These matches are demanding, but we responded the way we needed to when they drew level, and here we are with the trophy.”

Jimenez’s four goals during the Nations League finals campaign highlight an incredible comeback story following a serious injury. In 2020, he suffered a life-threatening skull fracture and brain injury during a match between Arsenal and his former club Wolves, with doctors later labelling his survival a “miracle.”

“It feels fantastic to return after everything I’ve faced,” Jimenez commented. “This serves as a powerful reminder that one must never lose faith. Always believe in your capabilities.”

The loss was a bitter pill for Panama, who stunned the United States 1-0 in the semi-finals and were eager to claim their first international trophy since 1951.

The first half was an entertaining affair, with Panama nearly taking an early lead as striker Cecilio Waterman had a low shot saved by Mexico’s goalkeeper Luis Malagon just six minutes in.

Instead, it was Mexico who struck first two minutes later, with Jimenez netting yet again. Roberto Alvarado combined well down the right, delivering a pinpoint cross that Jimenez converted with a deft header.

Panama’s Jose Luis Rodriguez nearly restored parity shortly before half-time, but his shot aiming for the top corner was expertly kept out by Malagon.

Quickly after that, Panama found their equaliser when Mexico’s Johan Vasquez brought down Waterman in the penalty area. After a lengthy VAR review, referee Mario Escobar awarded the penalty, and Adalberto Carrasquilla made no mistake from the spot to level the score at 1-1.

The second half was scrappy as both teams struggled to mount effective attacks, and tension built as the game neared extra time.

With seven minutes remaining, following repeated warnings to Mexican fans to stop the homophobic chanting, Escobar paused the match under CONCACAF’s protocols designed to tackle this behaviour.

This interruption allowed Panama to regroup, yet it was Mexico who capitalised on a late surge of pressure, leading to Cordoba’s fateful handball and the decisive penalty that secured their victory.