In a thrilling match filled with ups and downs, Club América’s players and coaching staff faced heavy criticism about their performance and questioned their capacity to reclaim their championship status. However, on Sunday, they made history and silenced those doubts.
With a goal from Paraguayan player Richard Sánchez in the first half, America drew 1-1 against Monterrey to secure the Apertura title, becoming the first team to achieve a three-peat in the short tournament era. Sánchez scored with a stunning shot from outside the box in the 24th minute. Although Colombian Johan Rojas equalized in the 85th minute, America completed the final series with an aggregate score of 3-2.
“This victory tastes different because we weren’t considered favorites by anyone in Mexican football. But inside, we knew we could be competitive,” said Brazilian coach André Jardine.
With this victory, America claimed its 16th title, putting additional distance between themselves and their nearest rival, Chivas, who have 12 championships. They were one of four teams to have won back-to-back titles since the competition format changed in 1996, alongside Pumas, León, and Atlas, who all fell short in the quest for a third consecutive title.
This marks America’s second three-peat in their history, the first occurring during the long tournament format between 1983-85. Notably, this championship was achieved away from home, as they had never closed out a final series outside their stadium before.
“We said we would be the first to win a tournament away from home, and we did, making the biggest club in the country even bigger,” remarked Spanish player Álvaro Fidalgo.
Throughout their championship journey, America overcame several formidable opponents in the playoffs, defeating Tijuana, second-seeded Toluca, and top seed Cruz Azul, before facing off against Monterrey, who finished fifth in the regular season.
“This was the toughest playoff of the three; we defeated three great rivals, and we showed a competitive version of ourselves,” Jardine added. “This victory is a testament to the commitment and mental strength of the team.”
With this win, America also avenged their previous loss to Monterrey in the 2019 Apertura final, marking a significant achievement. Meanwhile, Monterrey, led by Argentine manager Martín Demichelis, saw their quest for a sixth championship title slip away.
Supported by their fans at Estadio BBVA in northern Mexico, Monterrey initially dominated possession but only produced one shot on goal controlled by goalkeeper Luis Malagón. America quickly adjusted and thought they had taken the lead with a goal disallowed for offside 18 minutes in. They eventually went ahead when Sánchez found the back of the net with a precise shot.
Monterrey responded with pressure, coming close to equalizing on several occasions, but America held onto their lead. Despite mounting late-game pressure from Monterrey, who struck the crossbar in the 87th minute, they could not find the equalizer that would have sent the match into extra time.
This victory reflects America’s resilience and determination as they continue to strengthen their legacy as one of the most successful clubs in Mexican football history. The team’s ability to rise above adversity and clinch their 16th title is a promise of exciting times ahead for their fans, who can look forward to a bright future.