Nov
27
- by Elijah Stone
- 0 Comments
On Sunday, December 15, 2024, Club América sealed one of the most improbable and historic runs in Liga MX history, defeating CF Monterrey 3-2 on aggregate to claim the Apertura 2024 Final at Estadio BBVA in Guadalupe, Mexico. What made it extraordinary wasn’t just the result—it was how they got there. Eighth place in the regular season. A road leg in Puebla. A hostile, sold-out crowd in Monterrey. And a final goal that came not from a superstar, but from a midfielder who had barely been a starter all season. Liga MX had never seen this before: three straight titles. Not in its 98-year history. Not even in the era of the legendary Club América teams of the 1980s or 2000s.
A Final Built on Resilience, Not Dominance
Most championship runs are built on regular-season dominance. Not this one. Club América finished eighth, barely scraping into the playoffs. CF Monterrey, by contrast, was fifth—home-field advantage in the second leg, a more consistent team all season. Yet when the dust settled, it was América’s name etched on the trophy. The first leg at Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla on December 12 ended 2-1, with goals from Henry Álvarez and Ángel Zendejas giving América the edge. Monterrey’s lone strike came from an uncredited scorer, a detail that spoke volumes: even their moment of glory was overshadowed.The Night the Three-Peat Was Sealed
The second leg, played before 52,127 roaring fans at Estadio BBVA, was a nerve-wracking thriller. The game opened with a flurry. América’s captain, Henry Martín, thought he’d scored in the 18th minute—but the goal was ruled offside. The crowd held its breath. Then, in the 24th minute, Richard Sánchez—a 26-year-old midfielder who’d played just 11 starts all season—pulled up from 25 yards out, curled a shot that dipped just under the crossbar, and sent the visiting bench into chaos. It wasn’t a flash of genius. It was pure instinct. The kind of moment that defines legacies. Monterrey pressed. They had to. Substitute Johan Rojas pulled one back in the 85th minute, a thunderous strike that cut the aggregate to 3-2. The woodwork rattled moments later. Six minutes of injury time followed. Every tackle, every clearance, every pass felt like a life-or-death moment. But América held. The final whistle blew. Players collapsed. Fans screamed. And for the first time in Liga MX history, a club had won three consecutive titles.Behind the Scenes: Tactics, Transfers, and Team Chemistry
The secret wasn’t in the stars. It was in the margins. Coach Jardine—who took over mid-season after the previous manager was fired—restructured the midfield, pushed Ángel Zendejas into a more advanced role, and trusted depth over star power. Zendejas scored in both legs. Richard Sánchez was named Man of the Match. Even the bench players contributed: R. de la Rosa came on in the first leg for L. Ocampos in the 4th minute—a shock substitution that changed the tempo. Monterrey’s manager, despite a strong season, couldn’t solve América’s counter. Their attack, led by Johan Rojas, looked dangerous but lacked cohesion. The defensive lapses in the second leg—particularly on Sánchez’s goal—were costly. "We gave them too much space," admitted Monterrey captain Andrés Guardado post-match. "They didn’t have the ball, but they had the nerve. That’s what champions are made of."
Historical Weight: Why This Matters More Than Any Other Title
Club América now holds 15 league titles—the most in Liga MX history. But this was different. The last time a team won three straight was in the 1950s, when the league was still amateur. Since the modern format began in 1996, no team had even reached three finals in a row, let alone won them. CF Monterrey had come close, winning in 2019 and 2021, but they lost the 2020 final to Tigres. Now, América stands alone. The win also secures América’s spot in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, where they’ll enter as defending champions. Their path to the final included knocking out Toluca and Tijuana in the playoffs, and eliminating Cruz Azul in a tense 3-4 aggregate win after a 0-0 draw.What’s Next for América and Monterrey?
For Club América, the challenge shifts from winning to defending. The Clausura 2025 begins in January. With three straight titles, pressure will be immense. Will they reload or rebuild? Key players like Zendejas and Sánchez are under contract through 2026, but the club’s hierarchy has hinted at bringing in a new striker to replace aging forward Diego Lainez. For CF Monterrey, the loss stings. They were favorites. They had the home advantage. They lost by one goal. Now, questions arise: Did they overestimate their depth? Will manager Diego Alonso stay? The club’s official statement on December 16 read: "We are disappointed, but not defeated. This is not the end—it’s a new beginning."
How Fans Watched—and Why It Mattered
In Mexico, the final was broadcast on TUDN, Canal 5, and Azteca 7. In the U.S., ViX and TUDN drew record streaming numbers—over 1.8 million concurrent viewers during the second leg, the highest for a Liga MX final in U.S. history. The referee for the decisive leg, César Arturo Ramos, handled six minutes of injury time with precision. No red cards. Just one yellow—for América’s Richard Juárez in the first leg. Clean, controlled, and decisive.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Club América win the title despite finishing eighth in the regular season?
Club América finished eighth but thrived in the playoffs, winning all five knockout matches, including a dramatic penalty shootout against Tijuana. Their defense tightened under coach Jardine, and key players like Richard Sánchez and Ángel Zendejas elevated their performances when it mattered most. Playoff success often favors tactical discipline over regular-season points, and América capitalized perfectly.
Who scored the championship-winning goal, and why was it significant?
Richard Sánchez, a 26-year-old midfielder with just 11 starts this season, scored the decisive goal in the 24th minute of the second leg. It was a 25-yard curler that defied expectations—not just because of its beauty, but because it came from a player not considered a star. That goal became the symbol of América’s underdog triumph and sealed their historic three-peat.
Has any other team in Liga MX history won three straight titles?
No. Before Club América’s 2024 win, no team had achieved three consecutive Liga MX titles since the league adopted its modern format in 1996. Even legendary clubs like Tigres UANL and Chivas came close but fell short. América’s achievement breaks a 28-year barrier and places them in a category all their own.
What does this mean for América’s chances in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup?
As defending Liga MX champions, América enters the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup as favorites. Their recent playoff experience, depth under pressure, and momentum make them dangerous. They’ll face top teams from MLS and Central America, but their ability to win tight games—like the Monterrey final—could be the edge they need to claim their first continental title since 2016.
Why did Monterrey lose despite having home-field advantage in the second leg?
Monterrey’s home advantage was neutralized by América’s disciplined counterattacking and mental toughness. While Monterrey controlled possession, they struggled to break through América’s compact mid-block. Their late goal by Johan Rojas came too late, and their inability to convert chances earlier—especially after Sánchez’s goal—proved fatal. They were outplayed when it counted most.
Where can fans watch highlights or replays of the final?
Full match replays are available on ViX and TUDN’s official platforms. Key moments—including Sánchez’s goal and the final whistle—are also featured on Liga MX’s YouTube channel and social media accounts. The league has confirmed a 90-minute documentary on the three-peat will air in January 2025.
Elijah Stone
I am passionate about delivering timely and accurate news to keep the public informed. With a focus on daily news in the United States, I enjoy dissecting current events and presenting them in a way that's both accessible and engaging. My writing aims to spark conversations and encourage readers to stay updated with the rapidly changing world around them. I believe in the power of journalism to make a difference, and I'm dedicated to maintaining its integrity and relevance in today's society.
