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Club America boss Herrera on Copa MX final vs. Juarez: We've learned a lesson

Club America manager Miguel Herrera said his side have learned from their Apertura elimination by Juarez as they prepare to face the same opponents in the Copa MX Clausura final.

Second tier Juarez stunned Mexican giants America with victory on penalties when the two teams met in the round of 16. They will play each other again in the Clausura final on Wednesday (live on ESPN Deportes at 10 p.m. ET) -- the first time a top tier team has faced a side from the division below.

America won the Liga MX Apertura but Herrera said September's defeat to Juarez must serve as a warning to his players.

"The lesson was that we need to take this cup more seriously," Herrera said ahead of the final. "We lost on penalties and went out -- it was a tough blow.

"In the end, we won the league and now we have a more complete team."

He added: "They [Juarez] have eliminated teams from the Primera Division, they are a solid team, who aspire to play in the Primera. Sometimes, the Copa brings unexpected finals.

"It's great that a team from the Ascenso [second tier] and a Primera team are in the final -- it means the Copa is still important."

America are the tournament's most successful team, but have not won the Copa MX since 1974.

"The demands of the club are to win everything," Herrera said. "We will try, but it will not be easy.

"We will give everything for the victory."

Juarez reached the final after a shock 2-0 victory over Pumas in the semifinals, while America beat Club Tijuana 4-0.

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