An early second-half strike from Alexis Vega and a late own goal guided defending champions Mexico to a 2-0 victory over guest nation Saudi Arabia in the CONCACAF Gold Cup quarter-finals on Saturday.
The win sets up a semi-final clash for Mexico against Honduras on Wednesday in Santa Clara.
After a goalless first half where a well-organized Saudi defence largely contained the 12-time champions, the breakthrough came in the 49th minute. A quick through ball from Fulham’s Raul Jimenez sent Vega into the box. Although his initial shot was saved by goalkeeper Nawaf Al-Aqidi, the Toluca striker was alert to the rebound and found the net.
“I’m really happy with the team’s work,” said Vega, who scored his first international goal since 2022. “We will give everything to recuperate, get ready and try to reach another grand final.”
Mexico doubled their lead and sealed their progression in the 81st minute when a cross from the left by Matteo Chavez took a decisive deflection off Saudi defender Abdullah Madu and went into his own net.
Saudi Arabia, who qualified for the knockout stages as runners-up from Group D, had their moments, most notably in the 20th minute when Ali Majrashi capitalized on a defensive mistake but sent his shot just wide of the post.
Vega was Mexico’s most potent attacking threat throughout the match, creating several chances for his teammates, including setting up an opportunity for captain Edson Alvarez, whose effort was well saved by Al-Aqidi just before the half-hour mark.
Honduras advanced to the semi-finals after defeating Panama in a penalty shootout in the day’s other quarter-final.
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