Club América is the first club in the short format era of Liga MX to win three straight league titles after drawing 1-1 with Monterrey and sealing a 3-2 victory in the two-legged Apertura 2024 final, extending its league-leading championship tally to 16.
This victory will be the third consecutive crown for the América team, after winning the Apertura in 2023 and the Clausura in 2024.
Entering the Estadio BBVA Bancomer in Monterrey on Sunday with a 2-1 lead in the first leg, América handled the pressure well before their attack took control. After captain Henry Martin’s goal in the 18th minute was ruled offside, the visitors broke the tie with a stunning long-range goal from Richard Sanchez in the 24th minute.
In response, Martin Demichelis’ Monterrey side struggled to create enough threat and managed to get any shot past opposing goalkeeper Luis Malagon.
Despite Team América gradually reducing their intensity and losing Martin to an injury that forced a substitution in the 42nd minute, Monterrey went into the break trailing 1-0 and needed to score at least two goals to beat the aggregate score 3-1.
With the advantage in hand, América coach Andre Jardine focused on a pragmatic and cautious style of play in the second half. Using a 5-3-2 formation, he was able to get plenty of numbers behind the ball and Eagles they impressed with their defense which stifled Demichelis’ more attacking approach.
Although some tactical changes in Monterrey resulted in a goal from substitute Johan Rojas late in the 85th minute and a shot that hit the post in the 88th minute, Rayados they fell just short and their consolation goal was not enough to equalize in the two-legged final against Club America.
Until the final whistle, after six minutes of added time, Jardine’s team secured the result 3-2 on aggregate and the Apertura title.
América is now four league titles ahead of rivals Chivas (12) in the league’s all-time standings. Jardine, who took over the club in 2023, has now led América to three consecutive Liga MX trophies, winning the Campeon de Campeones and the Campeones Cup in 2024.
Since 2013, América has won six of 16 league titles.
Next year, América will look to retain their trophy while also competing in the Concacaf Champions Cup, League Cup and Campeones Cup.
Monterrey, which is 10th in the all-time Liga MX standings with five trophies, will also take part in the Concacaf Champions Cup, League Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
