Mexico City – Former Palmeiras midfielder Raphael Veiga is set to make his first start for Club América tonight as they face Puebla in a crucial Liga MX Clausura 2026 match at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. The game, scheduled for midnight Brasília time (Saturday, February 21st), comes after a disappointing Clásico Nacional loss for América, making this contest a key opportunity to regain momentum.
América manager André Jardine is making changes to the lineup, giving Veiga the nod after two substitute appearances for the club. The Brazilian playmaker will slot into a key attacking role, positioned behind striker Henry Martín and alongside Brian Rodríguez and Isaías Violante in a front three aiming to break down Puebla’s defense. This match represents a significant opportunity for Veiga to establish himself as a key player for the Mexican giants.
The midfield will see Veiga supporting a trio of Rodrigo Dourado, Erick ‘Chiquito’ Sánchez, and potentially Jonathan dos Santos, who could see playing time in the second half. Jardine is also giving Aaron Mejía his debut at left back, providing a rest for Kevin Álvarez, who has faced criticism from the Americanista fanbase. The manager revealed yesterday that Mejía would be starting, according to reports.
América is looking to bounce back after a setback in the Clásico Nacional and climb back into playoff contention. Puebla presents a challenging opponent, but Jardine believes the changes to the starting eleven will provide a spark. The team currently sits outside the liguilla qualification spots, making a win tonight vital.
América Lineup Confirmed
André Jardine has announced the following starting lineup for Club América:
- Malagón
- Mejía
- Reyes
- Cáceres
- Borja
- Violante
- Jonathan dos Santos
- Gutiérrez
- Brian Rodríguez
- Raphael Veiga
- Henry Martin
The team will be led by manager André Jardine.
Puebla’s Expected Starting XI
Puebla is expected to field the following lineup:
- Gutiérrez
- Moreno
- Navarro
- Vargas
- Díaz
- Rey
- Velasco
- Baltazar
- Guerra
- Gómez
- Lozano
Alberto Espigares will manage Puebla from the sidelines.
Both teams are aiming for a victory that will boost their position in the Liga MX Clausura 2026 standings. The match will be streamed via Betano, offering fans a way to watch the action unfold.
The absence of Alan Cervantes and Dagoberto Espinoza due to injury will force Jardine to rely on his squad depth. Mejía’s debut adds another dimension to the América defense, while Veiga’s inclusion is expected to provide a creative spark in midfield.
Fans can watch the match live on Betano according to reports. The game is a key fixture in the seventh round of the Clausura 2026 tournament.
The stakes are high for both clubs as they look to secure valuable points in the competitive Liga MX. A strong performance from Raphael Veiga could be pivotal for América as they aim to return to winning ways. The match promises to be an exciting encounter between two teams eager to climb the league table.
Following tonight’s match, América will prepare for their next challenge, while Puebla will look to build on their performance. The outcome of this game will undoubtedly have implications for both teams’ playoff aspirations. Stay tuned for further updates and analysis as the Liga MX Clausura 2026 season progresses.
What are your predictions for the América-Puebla match? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
