The second leg of the Copa Sudamericana Final between Arsenal of Argentina and Club America from Mexico kicks off tonight. America is going into Argentina with a (4)3-2 deficit and quite frankly: it’s not looking good. After a stunning come from behind win at the Azteca, Arsenal have basically stretched their entire leg into the winner’s circle and are searching for their first, ever major trophy. But what about that game last week? Wasn’t it just a thriller? We thought it was. Because while most of you were watching it on your 13 inch RCA’s and sitting in your swivel chairs, we were standing in the midst of one of the most glorious spectacles in modern sports. That’s right: we were at the game. Standing in the Azteca.

In collaboration with the encyclopedia of Soccer Eduardo Mauser

• First Half

  Entering the Estadio Azteca is like entering a whole other country: one ruled by modern Romans in the Coliseum ready for battle. No joke. The Azteca is the second largest stadium in Latin America and holds a capacity of 120,000 people. If we thought things have changed since then, we were ready for a big surprise. Soccer is the lifeline that holds Latin America together. It’s that simple. But sitting in one of the boxes, we were sure we were missing out on all the fun.

  Around 104,000 fans attended the match and an overwhelming sea of yellow and blue draped the arena. The Argentines were about to confront a giant hurdle, or so we initially thought.

  The chanting, rocket throwing, drum beating and beer breathed cheering of America fans is an amazing blend of raw energy and sincere praise. And within moments, Club America granted fans their tension breaker. At the five-minute mark, Paraguay striker Salvador Cabanas captured a Federica (Pocho) Inzua cross and headed home the first goal of the game. It was the perfect start. After that, Arsenal goalie Mario Cuenca couldn’t advance a goal kick without the sounds of the infamous “Putooooo” chants. If there’s a sound to behold, it’s the angry salutes of riled up Mexican fans.

  The jeers and cadence continued until the 31st minute, when Arsenal defender Anibal Matellan dove through America’s defense like a dart and struck a free-kick with his noggin’, tying the game 1-1. Like many in the stadium, we didn’t immediately realize a goal had been scored, but once the replay was shown, it was clear. Imagine gazing at a roaring waterfall, seduced by its’ mystique and power, then suddenly hearing nothing. Well, we can imagine it’s something like 104,000 fans going silent.

  After that, the stadium’s adrenaline shot up like a rocket. The tension was fierce and America’s faithful didn’t disappoint. Until the half ended, echoes and echoes of “vamos, vamos America esta noche tenemos que ganar” [Ed. Note: Come on! Come on, America! Tonight we have to win!] cascaded throughout the stadium. The half ended, the girlie dancers came on and we knew, going in 1-1, that the next 45 minutes would be exhilarating.

• Second Half

  We were ready when the second half started. The fans had arrived with vigor and the booze was definitely helping. There was an immediate sense of “do-or-die” and America responded brilliantly. Within minutes, Inzua had almost scored and in the 9th minute, Alejandro Arguello propelled the Mexicans to the lead with the most beautiful shot of the night: a wide, net-grazing kick that made the entire stadium erupt. Pan-de-monium.

  And then there was another goal. Within four minutes of Arguello’s score, Arsenal’s Alejandro Gomez broke free, alone in the penalty area, with a ball at his feet and destiny in his grasp: nothing…but…net. We’re telling you: the silence of a 104,000 stadium is haunting.

  Leveled off at 2-2 meant that people were worried. America had switched to a 5-3-2 in order to stunt another Arsenal blow. We didn’t have a preference as to who would win, but we began to feel that agonizing, gut-wrenching feeling that something horrific was going to happen. And the only plausible scenario would be that Arsenal would score again—and it happened. As quickly as America had scored it’s first two goals, Arsenal had leveled each time. In the 66th minute, Gomez struck again. This time, it was a header over the outreached palms of a lunging Guillermo Ochao. Nail. In. The. Coffin.

  Can America avenge their defeat? We’re calling a shootout: America take it 5-4 on penalties. Maybe.