Club América Lose Raphael Veiga Ahead of Atlas Clash

Club América survived one of their toughest away trips of the Apertura 2026 campaign on Saturday, beating León 5-3 at a ground where they had won just four times in the previous 14 years. Now, the Águilas face another serious test against an Atlas side that has been punching well above its weight.

Under Argentine coach Hernán Crespo, La Academia have put together an impressive campaign with a modest squad, plenty of heart and enough results to put themselves right in the title conversation. Atlas sit third with 21 points, just three behind league leaders América, who also have a game in hand.

América may have the deeper squad on paper, but that means little when they walk into a packed Estadio Jalisco on Wednesday night. The tickets are sold out, the atmosphere should be electric, and Atlas will be eager to take down the team sitting at the top of the table.

Atlas vs América: Veiga ruled out

América will have to make do without one of their key midfielders after Raphael Veiga was ruled out of the Matchday 13 clash.

The Brazilian picked up a muscular knock during training ahead of the game against León, forcing the coaching staff to leave him out rather than risk making things worse. The issue is not believed to be serious, but Veiga will now miss a second consecutive match.

After putting three past América’s defense, León still managed to concede five. The Águilas came away with all three points, but they will now have to face a direct rival without Veiga in the middle of the park. Not exactly the ideal preparation for a trip to one of the league’s toughest venues.

When could Raphael Veiga return?

América’s next opportunity to bring Veiga back into the squad will come on Sunday, when they face Pachuca. His availability will depend on how he responds to treatment and whether he can return to full training with the rest of the team.

For now, the Brazilian remains on the sidelines as América look to protect their lead at the top of the standings.

América must defend top spot against Atlas

The clash with Atlas is a major test for the league leaders. América have 24 points and a game in hand, but the teams chasing them are close enough to make any slip-up costly.

Toluca and Atlas are tied on 21 points, while Chivas and Cruz Azul sit fourth and fifth with 20 points each. The gap at the top is small, and a defeat could give América’s rivals a golden opportunity to close in.

The Águilas will be looking to leave Guadalajara with a positive result before turning their attention to Pachuca. Easier said than done, especially without Veiga and against an Atlas side that has made a habit of getting results.

Brian Rodríguez signs new América deal through 2030

There is some good news for América fans, though. Brian Rodríguez has renewed his contract with the club through 2030, putting at least some of the recurring transfer speculation surrounding the Uruguayan winger to rest.

Rodríguez has been linked with a potential exit in previous transfer windows, but the new deal gives América greater security over one of their most dangerous attacking players.

In a market where clubs are constantly trying to poach talent, keeping a player of Rodríguez’s quality is a significant win for the Águilas. At least this summer’s transfer rumors can take a seat for a while.

Probable lineups for Atlas vs Club América

Atlas (4-2-2-2):  
Camilo Vargas;
Adonis Frías, Jorge Sánchez, Juanjo Purata, Gadi Aguirre;
Elías Montiel, Paulo Ramírez;
Kevin Zenón, Luis Esteves;
Florian Florian, Ryan Mmaee

América (4-2-3-1): 
Luis Malagón;
Santiago Ramos, Santiago Bueno, Dagoberto Espinoza, Cristian Borja;
Israel Reyes, Erick Sánchez;
Alejandro Zendejas, Brian Rodríguez, Henry Martín;
Miguel Borja