América 1-1 Monterrey (December 15, 2024) Game Analysis

Club América is the first in Liga MX’s short-format era to claim three consecutive titles after a 1-1 draw with Monterrey secured a 3-2 aggregate win in the two-legged 2024 Apertura final, extending their league-leading championships to 16.

The win marks the third straight crown for América after winning the 2023 Apertura and 2024 Clausura.

Heading into Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA Bancomer on Sunday with a 2-1 advantage in hand from the first leg, América did well to absorb the pressure before their attack took charge. After an 18th-minute goal from captain Henry Martin was ruled offside, the visitors broke the early deadlock thanks to a superb long-range goal from Richard Sanchez in the 24th minute.

In response, Martin Demichelis’ Monterrey struggled to create enough danger and get any shot past opposition goalkeeper Luis Malagon.

Despite América gradually losing its intensity and losing Martin to an injury that forced a substitution in the 42nd minute, Monterrey went into the break trailing 1-0 and needing to score at least twice to overcome 3-1 on aggregate -score line.

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With the lead 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 Las Aguilas were impressive with their defensive efforts stifling Demichelis’ more attacking approach.

Although some tactical changes from Monterrey saw a late goal in the 85th minute from substitute Johan Rojas and a shot that hit the woodwork in the 88th, Los Rayados fell just short and their consolation goal was not enough to level the two-legged final against Club America.

At the final whistle – after six minutes of overtime – Jardine’s team secured the 3-2 aggregate result and the Apertura title.

America now has a four-championship cushion over rivals Chivas (12) in the league’s all-time table. Jardine, who took over at the club in 2023, has now guided América to three consecutive Liga MX trophies, winning the Campeon de Campeones and Campeones Cup in 2024.

America has won six of its 16 league titles since 2013.

Next year, América is looking to retain its trophy while participating in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup.

Monterrey, who are 10th in Liga MX’s all-time table with five trophies, will also participate in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.