América beats Monterrey to lift 3rd-straight Liga MX trophy

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

The win marks the third-straight crown for América after winning the 2023 Apertura and the 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 pressure before their attack took charge. Following an 18th minute goal from captain Henry Martin that was called offside, the visitors broke the early deadlock thanks to a stunning 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 opposing goalkeeper Luis Malagon.

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

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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. Employing 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 that stifled Demichelis' more attack-minded approach.

Although some tactical alterations from Monterrey provided a late 85th minute goal from substitute Johan Rojas, and a shot that hit the woodwork in the 88th, Los Rayados fell just short and their consolation goal that wasn't enough to equalize the two-legged final against Club America.

By the final whistle -- after six minutes of injury time -- Jardine's side secured the 3-2 aggregate result and Apertura title.

América now have 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, won the Campeon de Campeones and the Campeones Cup in 2024.

América has won six of its16 league titles since 2013.

Next year, América seeks to maintain its trophy while also taking part in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and Campeones Cup.

Monterrey, which is 10th in Liga MX's all-time table with five trophies, will also take part in the Concacaf Champions Cup, Leagues Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.