Andre Jardine issues defiant rallying call after Club America's shock defeat to Real Esteli

Club America may have suffered a shock 2-1 defeat to Nicaraguan side Real Esteli in the Concacaf Champions Cup, but head coach Andre Jardine remains confident in his team's ability to turn the tie around at the Estadio Azteca.

The hosts scored early on in both halves thanks to strikes from Byron Bonilla and Marvin Fletes to take a commanding 2-0 lead.

Despite a late goal from Julian Quinones in stoppage time, Esteli held on for a monumental moment in club history as their first-ever win in the Champions Cup came against the team that's won the competition a record seven times.

As Quinones bagged a late goal, America only need to score once back at the Azteca when the second leg is played on February 14 -- while keeping a clean sheet -- to go through to the round of 16 .

"One word: Optimism," Jardine said after the game. "There are 90 minutes to play at home, the opponent played a great game, it is not a simple game, a quite different field.

"It is not an excuse, the opponent surpassed us today, [they were] much more forceful. We missed some opportunities but we have to focus, we have 90 minutes [to comeback]."

America's defeat -- which was their first of the calendar year -- may work as a wake-up call for Jardine and his squad to really get things going back home in the Apertura campaign. His side's shortcomings on the road weren't for lack of effort, as his team managed 18 shots (five on target) while dominating with 68% possession.

"Football is game by game, each one is a story. You have to try for 90 minutes to see where you are at, it's not just quality, it's many things; Concentration, ability to adapt on each field and today we were surpassed. In the end it was forceful, you have to score the chances you have, [and] the opponent scored them," he said.

"We produced but we didn't score, but the goal [away from home] brings us a little closer to what we have to do in the second leg. I spoke yesterday that it would be a hard game, the best version of America has to be there for the return [leg]."

America return to action on February 10 in Liga MX, clashing against Club Leon -- who are the current holders of the Champions Cup -- at Estadio Leon.

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