América triumphed over Monterrey with a 2-1 victory in the first leg of the Apertura 2024 final, setting the stage for an exciting return match on Sunday. The match saw America aiming for a remarkable third consecutive title in Liga MX, while Monterrey sought their sixth championship, hoping to maintain their unbeaten record against America in finals.
The game started on a sour note for Monterrey’s coach Martín Demichelis, as star player Lucas Ocampos suffered an injury and left the field in tears, casting a shadow over Monterrey’s offensive plans.
Monterrey drew first blood in the 35th minute when Sergio Canales netted an impressive goal from outside the box, placing the ball perfectly into the top corner of the net. However, America’s equalizer came just four minutes later, with Kevin Álvarez scoring from a rebound after Alejandro Zendejas’ initially missed chance.
Early in the second half, América turned the game around when Alejandro Zendejas scored in the 49th minute, following a setup from Álvaro Fidalgo. From that moment on, Monterrey focused on tightening their defense, seemingly resigned to the close defeat, while America appeared content with their slim lead as they prepared for the decisive second leg in Monterrey.
The match statistics were as follows:
– First Half: América 1, Monterrey 1
– Second Half: América 1, Monterrey 0
– Final Score: América 2, Monterrey 1
Goals:
– Monterrey: Sergio Canales (35′)
– América: Kevin Álvarez (39′), Alejandro Zendejas (49′)
As the teams advance, all eyes will be on the return leg, where both clubs will fight fiercely for the championship title. Fans can expect another thrilling encounter, as the stakes are high and both teams possess the talent to secure the victory.
This thrilling match provides a hopeful anticipation for the upcoming showdown in Monterrey, where anything can happen, and whether América can secure their third title or Monterrey can rise to claim their sixth championship remains to be seen. The return match promises to be a celebration of competitive spirit and football excellence.