Mexico Advances to Gold Cup Semi-Finals Following Hard-Earned Win Against Saudi Arabia

In a decisive performance, Alexis Vega netted a goal just after the interval, followed by a late own goal from Abdullah Madu, leading Mexico to a 2-0 triumph over Saudi Arabia in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals in Glendale, Arizona, on Saturday. This victory paves the way for a semi-final showdown against Honduras.

Honduras, who eliminated Panama earlier that day via a penalty shootout, will now take on defending champions Mexico in the semi-finals, scheduled for Santa Clara on Wednesday.

“I’m absolutely thrilled with the team’s effort,” remarked Vega, marking his first goal for Mexico since 2022. “We’ll put in every effort to recover, prepare, and aim for yet another grand final.”

A swift pass from Fulham forward Raul Jimenez set up Vega’s run into the penalty area, and although goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi managed to parry the initial shot, the Toluca striker capitalised on the rebound, putting the 12-time champions ahead in the 49th minute.

Saudi Arabia’s aspirations for a comeback were dashed in the 81st minute when Matteo Chavez’s cross from the left deflected off defender Madu and found the back of the net, extending Mexico’s lead.

As guests in the tournament, Saudi Arabia reached the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group D, and they initially did well to contain the rampant Mexican attack in the first half.

Vega’s Brilliance

Vega’s diagonal attempt from the left in the 13th minute sailed just over the bar, while Ali Majrashi’s acrobatic clearance thwarted Roberto Alvarado’s left-footed attempt two minutes later, preventing Raul Jimenez from getting a touch in the penalty area.

Majrashi nearly put Saudi Arabia in front in the 20th minute when he seized on a defensive mistake and surged towards the Mexico box unopposed, but his shot skimmed past the near post.

Vega was instrumental in creating opportunities for Mexico, delivering a corner kick to an unmarked Edson Alvarez in the box, but Al-Aqidi’s quick reflexes denied the Mexico captain just before the half-hour mark.

Midfielder Gilberto Mora, who made history as the youngest player to represent Mexico at just 16 years old, found Vega with a short cross from the left just before half-time, but the striker’s shot went wide.

Mexico had managed only one shot on target in the first half but came out more aggressive after the break. Ruiz managed to evade the Saudi defence to receive a through ball from Vega but hit the crossbar from close range.

The initial groans from the Mexico supporters quickly transformed into cheers when Vega finally opened the scoring just a minute later.