Club América’s goalkeeper question has an answer for the rest of the Apertura 2026, according to Gibrán Araige of TUDN. Reporting on Insiders, Araige says Luis Ángel Malagón will keep the starting spot after his return against Monterrey, Rodolfo Cota goes back to the bench, and head coach Guillermo Almada does not plan to rotate his goalkeepers, at least for now.
The decision ends months of uncertainty in the América goal. Malagón ruptured his Achilles tendon in March, in the Concacaf Champions Cup series against Philadelphia Union, and Cota held the position through his long absence and into the start of this tournament. Almada restored Malagón for Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Monterrey, seven months after the injury, and the choice sparked a public debate over whether Cota had earned the right to keep the shirt. Per Araige’s report, the coach has now settled it instead of alternating between the two.
The same report carries a midfield change for tomorrow. Spanish midfielder Carlos Álvarez, signed for this Apertura 2026, is in line to start at León ahead of Raphael Veiga, whose profile has not fully convinced Almada. Veiga was substituted in the 57th minute against Monterrey, and a starting role for Álvarez would be the clearest sign yet that the Brazilian’s place is under real pressure.
Nothing is official until the team sheet comes out tomorrow, and the report’s own language is careful rather than absolute. What is certain is the setting: Club América travel to León at the top of the table on 21 points, with Miguel Borja suspended as the squad’s only absence. Kickoff is at 7:00 PM Central time, and U.S. viewing information is on the Club América watch page.
