On December 15, 2024, Club América claimed the Liga MX title, marking their third consecutive championship following a tense match against Monterrey. The final two legs were grueling, setting the stage for América to emerge as the first team to achieve this historic feat under the short tournament format established since 1996.
Having entered the second leg of the final with a 2-1 advantage from the first match, América needed only to secure either a draw or win to maintain their lead. The stakes were high as Monterrey aimed to overturn the deficit on home turf at the Estadio BBVA.
The game commenced with early momentum for Monterrey, but it was América’s Richard Sánchez who struck first, netting the ball just 24 minutes in. His powerful shot from outside the box soared beautifully, leaving Monterrey’s goalkeeper, Luis Cárdenas, with little chance to save it. This strike added pressure on the home team as they fell behind on aggregate.
Monterrey fought energetically to equalize, pressing forward and creating chances. Their perseverance paid off late in the game when Johan Rojas found the net in the 85th minute, leveling the match at 1-1 for the night and narrowing the aggregate to 3-2. Unfortunately for Monterrey, it wasn't enough to secure the championship.
The tension escalated significantly after the first leg, during which Monterrey players, including Sergio Canales and Jesús ‘Tecatito’ Corona, confronted the referees post-match to contest officiated decisions. Reports reveal instructions from Armando Archundia, President of the Arbitration Commission, directed official Víctor Cáceres to omit reporting the incident. Consequently, neither player faced sanctions, which has raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.
Canales' performance throughout the tournament was impressive, not only had he scored pivotal goals, but his leadership on the field was notable. Yet, he ends the tournament still without a championship title since joining the club. The Spaniard remains unable to help his team capture silverware, having experienced disappointment across several previous tournaments.
Following the match, Canales was visibly distraught, surrounded by teammates and club officials who attempted to console him. The weight of falling just short after reaching the final elicited heartbreak among Monterrey supporters, particularly with the final being hosted on their home ground.
Club América, managed by André Jardine, celebrated their 20th league title triumph, adding to their storied legacy. "We dreamed of this day, we had the perfect playoffs where everything we attempted turned out well... The players dedicated themselves to the cause and never stopped believing... Now we want some vacation and to enjoy the title," Jardine exclaimed after the match, embodying the elation felt by the squad and fans alike.
For Monterrey, the road to success will require reflection and regrouping. With multiple near misses, the club faces internal scrutiny on how to evolve from here. The departure of glory continues to haunt Canales and his teammates, whose ambition remains unfulfilled.
The match solidifies América’s formidable standing as they look to the future with their eyes set on adding more trophies to their illustrious cabinet. Meanwhile, Monterrey must confront their shortcomings as they prepare for the next tournament season, hoping for redemption and the much-coveted silverware historic to their stature.
Indeed, this final displays both the heart of competition and the unpredictable nature of sports, underlining not just the euphoria of victory but the agony of defeat—a contrasting narrative endured by Canales and the players of Monterrey tonight.
