Raul Jimenez delivered a dramatic double as Mexico clinched their first-ever Concacaf Nations League title with a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Panama at SoFi Stadium on Sunday.
The Fulham striker, who also netted twice in Mexico’s semifinal win over Canada, sealed the triumph with a stoppage-time penalty in a thrilling final.
However, the match was marred by controversy, as officials halted play in the closing minutes due to homophobic chants from Mexican fans—marking the third consecutive Concacaf Nations League final to be disrupted by such incidents, despite repeated efforts to eliminate the offensive behavior.
Jimenez, 33, coolly converted the decisive spot-kick in the 92nd minute after Panama defender Jose Cordoba conceded a handball, needlessly flinging an arm at a cross.
Following the victory, Jimenez credited Mexico coach Javier Aguirre for his impact. The 66-year-old returned for his third stint in charge in 2024, having previously led El Tri in 2001-2002 and 2009-2010.
"This is what we have worked for since day one, since 'Vasco' (Aguirre) arrived," Jimenez said, using the coach’s well-known nickname. "These games are tough, but we played the way we needed to when they equalized, and we got the job done."
The loss was a crushing blow for Panama, who had stunned the United States 1-0 in the semifinals and were chasing their first major international title since 1951.
A fast-paced opening saw Panama nearly take an early lead in the sixth minute, but Cecilio Waterman’s low strike was fired straight at Mexico goalkeeper Luis Malagon.
Instead, it was Mexico who struck first just two minutes later. Roberto Alvarado found space on the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, where Jimenez stooped to head home and give El Tri the lead.
Panama came close to equalizing just before halftime when Jose Luis Rodriguez unleashed a shot destined for the top corner, only for Malagon to produce a fine save.
Their breakthrough arrived soon after, as Johan Vasquez’s mistimed challenge on Waterman inside the box went unnoticed initially but was later awarded as a penalty following a lengthy VAR review. Adalberto Carrasquilla made no mistake from the spot, rifling his effort past Malagon to level the score at 1-1.
The second half turned into a scrappy affair, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. As extra time loomed, tensions escalated.
In the 83rd minute, match officials halted play after repeated warnings against homophobic chanting from Mexican fans were ignored, enforcing Concacaf protocols aimed at tackling discriminatory behavior.
Following the pause, Panama regrouped and looked set to take the match to extra time. But Mexico capitalized on a late spell of pressure, with Cordoba’s costly handball gifting them the decisive penalty, which Jimenez calmly slotted home to secure Mexico’s historic triumph.
