América Beats Monterrey to Lift 3rd-Straight Liga MX Trophy

Club América has cemented its place in the annals of Liga MX history by securing a third consecutive title in the 2024 Apertura final. A 1-1 draw with Monterrey at Estadio BBVA Bancomer on December 15 sealed a 3-2 aggregate victory, making them the first team in Liga MX’s short-format era to achieve this remarkable feat. This victory has further solidified their record, bringing their total number of league titles to 16—the most in Liga MX history.

América’s Historic Achievement: Three Consecutive Titles

América’s win over Monterrey marks the culmination of an extraordinary achievement. After clinching both the 2023 Apertura and the 2024 Clausura, their success in the 2024 Apertura final adds yet another chapter to their storied history. This victory not only highlights their dominance but also strengthens their lead over Chivas, who have won 12 Liga MX titles. For América, it is now about continuing this legacy and proving that their triumph is no fluke.

“Winning three consecutive titles in Liga MX is a testament to our resilience, strategy, and the talent we have in this squad,” said André Jardine, América’s head coach, who took over in 2023 and has already led the team to multiple titles.

This victory places América firmly in the driving seat, as they now boast a four-title cushion over their fiercest rivals, Chivas. Moreover, the victory is a reflection of the club’s strength under Jardine’s leadership, as it extends their tally of six Liga MX titles since 2013.

The Match: A Hard-Fought Battle at Estadio BBVA Bancomer

With a 2-1 advantage from the first leg at the Estadio Azteca, América headed into the second leg with the upper hand. The match at Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA Bancomer on December 15 began with high anticipation. Monterrey, desperate to overturn the aggregate scoreline, pressed early, but América showed their maturity and tactical discipline.

Key Moments in the First Half

The match’s early moments were a mix of drama and missed opportunities. América’s captain, Henry Martín, thought he had opened the scoring in the 18th minute, only for his goal to be ruled offside. However, just six minutes later, Richard Sánchez put América in the lead with a stunning long-range strike in the 24th minute, sending the visitors 1-0 up on the night and 3-1 up on aggregate.

This goal set the tone for the first half, with Monterrey struggling to find a way through América’s organized defense. Despite enjoying possession, the hosts were unable to test Luis Malagón, América’s goalkeeper, who was on top form throughout the match.

• Henry Martín’s disallowed goal in the 18th minute was the first sign that América wasn’t going to make things easy for Monterrey.
• The 25-yard blast from Richard Sánchez was a reminder of the attacking prowess that América possessed, despite playing with a lead.

However, América’s situation worsened just before the halftime break when Henry Martín sustained an injury and was forced to be substituted in the 42nd minute. This created a minor concern for América, as Santiago Solari was called into action to replace their star striker.

Monterrey’s Struggles to Break Through

From Monterrey’s perspective, the first half was frustrating. Although they had a good amount of possession, they struggled to create clear-cut opportunities. This was largely due to América’s defensive setup, which was structured and disciplined. André Jardine’s tactical game plan was clearly working, with the visitors employing a defensive setup that soaked up pressure and disrupted Monterrey’s rhythm.

• Luis Malagón was rarely called into action, as Monterrey’s attacking play lacked sharpness and focus.
• Despite having the ball, Monterrey struggled to break down América’s defense, and Martín Demichelis, their coach, was clearly frustrated with his team’s inability to make inroads.

At the half-time whistle, América was in a strong position with a 3-1 aggregate lead. Monterrey now needed at least two goals in the second half to win the title, and it was clear that Demichelis would need to make changes to his side if they were to have any hope of pulling off a comeback.

América’s Tactical Mastery in the Second Half

In the second half, América transitioned to a more pragmatic and cautious approach, with coach André Jardine opting for a 5-3-2 formation. This move was designed to solidify their defense and ensure that Monterrey’s attackers could not break through.

Defensive Discipline and Tactical Adjustments

• América’s defensive line became more compact, with Paul Aguilar and Emilio Lara adding layers of protection to Malagón’s goal.
• The shift to a 5-3-2 system allowed América to nullify any potential threats from Monterrey’s attacking duo of Vincent Janssen and Rogelio Funes Mori, who had been ineffective in the first half.

Despite the slight drop in intensity from América, the team’s tactical discipline and focus were the keys to their success. Monterrey, on the other hand, pushed forward in search of the goals they so desperately needed, but they could not find the breakthrough.

Late Drama: Monterrey’s Last-Gasp Push

As the match neared its end, Monterrey’s frustration mounted. In the 85th minute, Johan Rojas, a substitute for Monterrey, found the back of the net, giving the home side hope. The 3-2 aggregate scoreline meant that Monterrey was still within touching distance of a dramatic equalizer.

Nail-Biting Moments

• In the 88th minute, Monterrey nearly scored again when Rogelio Funes Mori’s shot hit the woodwork. This close call sent shockwaves through the América supporters and the players, who knew that the tie was still in the balance.

“That moment was nerve-wracking. We knew we had to stay focused and make sure we didn’t let our guard down,” said Luis Malagón, reflecting on the final stages of the match.

Despite these late scares, América held firm, with Jardine’s tactical adjustments ensuring the team stayed organized in the face of Monterrey’s late surge.

Final Whistle: América Clinches the 2024 Apertura Title

After six minutes of injury time, the referee blew the final whistle. América had done enough to secure the 3-2 aggregate win, and the celebrations began. The team, led by André Jardine, had weathered Monterrey’s storm and clinched their third consecutive Liga MX title, marking yet another historic achievement in their illustrious history.

América’s Road to Glory: Tactical Brilliance and Resilience

As the final whistle blew at Estadio BBVA Bancomer, América had done it again. They had successfully defended their title and added a third consecutive Liga MX championship to their storied history. This remarkable feat, accomplished by André Jardine’s tactical mastery, extends América’s dominance in Mexican football, now with 16 total league titles—the most of any club in Liga MX history.

A Championship Built on Strategy

With the 2024 Apertura final hanging in the balance, América approached the second leg with a clear and calculated strategy. Though the 2-1 advantage from the first leg placed them in a strong position, they understood that Monterrey would come out fighting with everything they had.

• Jardine’s 5-3-2 formation provided the perfect balance of defense and counter-attacking opportunities.
• América, usually known for its attacking flair, showed maturity in their approach, focusing on absorbing pressure and exploiting Monterrey’s weaknesses.

The early moments were tense. Monterrey, despite their desperate need for goals, failed to break down América’s well-drilled defense. The first half saw América maintaining their composure, even when faced with mounting pressure from the home side.

The Key to Victory: Defensive Solidity

The pragmatic approach used by América was crucial to their victory. With the 3-1 aggregate lead, the team focused on controlling the match through strong defensive play, ensuring that any offensive push from Monterrey was quickly neutralized.

• Luis Malagón, in goal for América, was a key figure in ensuring Monterrey’s efforts were in vain. His reflexes and positioning were vital in keeping the visitors’ lead intact.
• As the second half unfolded, the 5-3-2 formation continued to frustrate Monterrey’s attacking players. Their attempts to break through the well-structured defense were futile, and any meaningful chances were quickly snuffed out.

América’s midfield, spearheaded by the veteran Richard Sánchez, controlled possession and denied Monterrey the creative freedom they needed to create scoring opportunities. Meanwhile, Santiago Solari and Henry Martín offered enough offensive presence to keep Monterrey on edge.

“The key to this win was discipline. We knew the importance of staying compact and not conceding unnecessary chances,” said André Jardine, who continues to prove his tactical brilliance.

Late Drama: Monterrey’s Final Push

Though América seemed to have one hand on the trophy, Monterrey weren’t going down without a fight. The late goal from Johan Rojas in the 85th minute briefly gave the home side hope, making it 3-2 on aggregate. The stadium erupted in anticipation, but time was quickly running out.

• In the 88th minute, Rogelio Funes Mori came within inches of equalizing, with a shot that rattled the crossbar. These final moments of drama only added to the tension as América’s resolve was tested.

Despite these nerve-wracking moments, América’s defense held firm, and the match ended with the 3-2 aggregate win, sending the team into jubilant celebrations.

América’s Dominance: What This Win Means for the Future

With this victory, América now holds a four-championship lead over their closest rivals, Chivas (12 titles). As the team celebrates this remarkable achievement, the implications of their continued success go beyond just domestic glory.

Looking Ahead: The Challenges of 2025

América’s sights are already set on 2025, where they will compete on multiple fronts:

• Concacaf Champions Cup
• Leagues Cup
• Campeones Cup

They aim to carry their winning momentum into these international competitions, proving that their dominance is not limited to Liga MX.

“Our goal is to keep winning, not just in Mexico, but on the international stage,” said André Jardine.

For Monterrey, the road ahead will also be filled with opportunities. They will participate in both the Concacaf Champions Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup next year. Although they fell short in the final, their squad remains strong, and they will undoubtedly look to bounce back and challenge for titles in the future.

What’s Next for Club América?

As América embarks on their quest for continued success, it’s clear that the club is built for the long haul. WAmérica’s Road to Glory: Tactical Brilliance and Resilience

When the final whistle blew at Estadio BBVA Bancomer, América had done it again. They successfully defended their title, securing their third consecutive Liga MX championship. This feat extended América’s dominance in Mexican football, now with 16 total league titles—the most of any club in Liga MX history.

A Championship Built on Strategy

With the 2024 Apertura final hanging in the balance, América approached the second leg with a clear, calculated strategy. Although they held a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, they knew Monterrey would come out with everything they had.

• Jardine’s 5-3-2 formation proved effective in balancing defense and counter-attacks.
• Despite being known for their attacking flair, América prioritized absorbing pressure and exploiting Monterrey’s weaknesses.

The early moments were tense. Monterrey, needing goals, struggled to break down América’s well-drilled defense. In the first half, América showed maturity, staying calm under pressure.

The Key to Victory: Defensive Solidity

The pragmatic approach América used played a crucial role in the victory. With the 3-1 aggregate lead, they focused on controlling the match through solid defense.

• Luis Malagón, América’s goalkeeper, played a key role in denying Monterrey’s advances. His quick reflexes and positioning ensured the visitors’ lead remained intact.
• The 5-3-2 formation continued to frustrate Monterrey, as their attacks lacked the necessary bite to break through.

América’s midfield, led by Richard Sánchez, dominated possession, preventing Monterrey from building creative plays. Meanwhile, Santiago Solari and Henry Martín provided just enough attacking presence to keep Monterrey’s defense on edge.

“Discipline was key to this win. We stayed compact and did not give up unnecessary chances,” said André Jardine, praising his squad’s maturity.

Late Drama: Monterrey’s Final Push

Even as América seemed to be in control, Monterrey refused to give up. The late goal from Johan Rojas in the 85th minute briefly raised hopes for the home team, making the score 3-2 on aggregate. The stadium erupted as Monterrey pushed for a dramatic equalizer.

• In the 88th minute, Rogelio Funes Mori came inches away from scoring, hitting the crossbar with a powerful shot. These final moments of drama added to the tension, but América’s defense held strong.

In the end, América held on to their 3-2 aggregate lead, securing the title after six minutes of injury time.

América’s Dominance: What This Win Means for the Future

With this victory, América now leads Chivas by four championships in the all-time title race. As the team celebrates, they know this win represents much more than just a domestic title.

Looking Ahead: The Challenges of 2025

América’s eyes are already on 2025, when they will compete in several prestigious tournaments:

• Concacaf Champions Cup
• Leagues Cup
• Campeones Cup

The team is eager to extend their dominance beyond Liga MX and prove their worth on the international stage.

“Our goal is to continue winning, both domestically and internationally,” said André Jardine.

Meanwhile, Monterrey also looks ahead, preparing for participation in both the Concacaf Champions Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup next year. Although they fell short in the final, their squad remains formidable, and they’ll aim for redemption in the future.

What’s Next for Club América?

As América sets its sights on further titles, the future looks incredibly bright. With a mix of experienced and talented players, they are well-equipped to continue their winning ways for years to come.

A Legacy of Excellence

Campeon de Campeones & Campeones Cup in 2024

16 Liga MX titles in total

3 consecutive championships (2023 Apertura, 2024 Clausura, 2024 Apertura)

6 Liga MX titles since 2013

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many titles does Club América now have?

América now has a total of 16 Liga MX titles, the most in the history of the league.

How many consecutive titles has América won?

This marks América’s third consecutive Liga MX title, following victories in the 2023 Apertura and the 2024 Clausura.

What is América’s next challenge?

América will compete in the 2025 Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup, and Campeones Cup, as they aim to add more trophies to their collection.