In a dramatic finale that showcased highs and lows, the players and coach of Club América faced significant scrutiny regarding their performance and questions about their ability to reclaim their championship status. However, on Sunday, they made history and silenced their critics.
With a goal from Paraguayan Richard Sánchez in the first half, América secured a 1-1 draw against Monterrey, clinching the Apertura title and becoming the first team to achieve three consecutive championships in the short tournament history.
Sánchez scored from outside the box in the 24th minute, and although Colombian Johan Rojas equalized in the 85th minute, the Águilas triumphantly sealed the series final with a combined score of 3-2.
“This victory tastes different because no one considered us favorites—nobody in Mexican football believed in us—but we knew internally that we were capable of being competitive,” stated Brazilian coach André Jardine.
This victory marks America’s 16th championship title, extending its lead over its closest rival, Chivas, which has 12 titles. The Águilas were one of four teams to have won two consecutive titles since the inception of two annual tournaments in Mexico in 1996, along with Pumas, León, and Atlas, all of whom failed in their attempts for three titles in a row.
This accomplishment represents the second three-peat in the history of Club América, having previously achieved this feat during the longer tournaments from 1983 to 1985.
The team had not won any championship while concluding a series away from their home stadium until now. “We said we would be the first to win a tournament away from home, and we did it, making the biggest club in the country even greater,” commented Spanish player Álvaro Fidalgo.
On their path to the championship, the Águilas faced stiff competition, first defeating Tijuana in the liguilla, then overcoming the second-seeded Toluca and the top-seeded Cruz Azul, before facing Monterrey, who ranked fifth in the regular tournament.
“This has been the most difficult liguilla out of the three. We defeated three phenomenal rivals, but we delivered a competitive performance,” added Jardine. “This is a reward for the team’s commitment and mental strength.”
With this victory, América also avenged their previous loss to Monterrey in the 2019 Apertura final.
Under the guidance of Argentine coach Martín Demichelis, Monterrey’s hope for a sixth title evaporated. Initially, the Rayados dominated possession at the BBVA stadium in northern Mexico, but could only muster one shot on goal, which was saved by goalkeeper Luis Malagón.
América regained control of the match, having a goal by Henry Martín disallowed for offside early on. They took the lead when Sánchez scored with a precise shot into the right corner of the goal.
Following a flurry of attacks, Monterrey nearly evened the score with a long-range effort that was denied by Malagón. However, they finally managed to score when Rojas broke through the defense and found the net in the 85th minute.
Despite being on the backfoot during the final moments, Monterrey’s efforts fell short, and they could not find a second goal to force extra time, ultimately succumbing to América’s historic achievement.
This triumph not only showcases Club América’s resilience but also highlights their ability to rise above criticism and defeat in previous encounters. Going forward, the team is now firmly positioned as a dominant force in Mexican football, setting a precedent for future championships.