AGUASCALIENTES, Mexico -- Club America drew 1-1 against Necaxa at Estadio Victoria on Thursday in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2016 semifinal.
Necaxa took the lead in the 63rd minute after a brilliant lofted pass from Jesus Isijara found Chilean Felipe Gallegos, who finished with ease.
America's response only took five minutes, with William Da Silva scoring from the edge of the penalty area.
America went into the series as favorites against recently promoted Necaxa and will go into the second leg on Sunday in Estadio Azteca with a vital away goal.
The match was fairly even throughout, with a limited number of clear-cut chances.
America goalkeeper Moises Munoz made a crucial save on the stroke of half-time to deny Isijara's strong header, while Las Águilas consistently threatened on the counter.
In the other semifinal, Tigres defeated Leon 1-0 on Wednesday, with the deciding game on Saturday in the Estadio Universitario.