For the first time in history, Club América has earned the historic treble of Mexican football by drawing 1-1 with Monterrey at the Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe, Mexico, on December 15. The team, directed by Brazilian coach André Jardine, had previously triumphed 2-1 in the first leg of the final. Following the match, journalist Juca Kfouri noted Jardine's remarkable achievement, stating he was named the greatest coach ever for the club by Mexican television. "I watched the game on Televisa, and the commentators unanimously agreed: Jardine is the greatest coach in the storied history of America, now adding the title of tri-championship to his record of 16 total championships," Kfouri wrote.
Expressing pride after the momentous victory, Jardine remarked, "This tournament was the most complicated for us. We missed the Azteca Stadium—its absence was felt greatly—as well as the myriad challenges we faced since the beginning of the tournament, from the Copa América taking players away from us to injuries complicate our attempts. We started poorly, but we absorbed criticism and achieved this title." A seasoned football strategist, Jardine, 45, initiated his career managing youth teams at Internacional back in 2003. His professional coaching career includes stints at Grêmio and São Paulo. After leading Brazil's national under-20 and under-23 teams, Jardine accepted the head coaching role at Club América where he quickly turned the tide, leading the club to six titles, including the historic tri-championship, the Campeón de Campeones, and the Supercopa de la Liga MX.
Club América's path to this historic moment wasn't straightforward. Over the past year, they faced challenges, including significant victories against competitive teams like Tigres and city rivals Cruz Azul. Despite their previous successes, the season was marked by poor showings, like their 4-1 loss to Cruz Azul and conceding four goals to Toluca. After finishing eighth during the regular season, Club América barely snuck through to the Liguilla, requiring penalty shootout victories over Tijuana to earn their place.
Once in the playoffs, the team found its stride. They avenged their earlier defeat to Toluca by winning two consecutive matches with 2-0 scores before advancing to the final against Cruz Azul. The first leg of the finals ended without goals, setting the stage for the thrilling second leg. Despite facing pressure, America came through to secure the treble, emphasizing their dominance with strategic gameplay, especially during the playoffs.
Álvaro Fidalgo, who has become emblematic of this achievement, echoed the sentiments surrounding Club América's legacy, saying, "We are the first to achieve this, this club is the biggest," and went on to highlight the rigorous competitive spirit necessary to triumph during the playoffs. After raising the trophy for the third straight year, Fidalgo stated, "Club América is enormous," and he is recognized among fans both for his skill and leadership within the team.
Fidalgo, who joined the club from Real Madrid's academy after impressive tenures with Oviedo and Sporting, has become pivotal for América. He stated, "We are the first in the history of short tournaments to do this; considering how difficult it is to navigate through the playoffs, with the monstrous team we have, starting from the medical staff all the way to the coaching staff. Now, the biggest club in the history of the country has risen even higher." His performance and influence have positioned him as not just a player but as an idol among the fanbase.
The finals against Monterrey were especially intense, as the opposition had internal motivation of their own, aiming to break their own title drought of five years. Despite boasting statistical superiority at home, their attacking prowess fell short against America’s well-coordinated play. During the first half, American striker Richard Sánchez struck first with a brilliant 25-yard goal, putting Monterrey under pressure to equalize and take the title. Monterrey's path to glory became increasingly complicated as the clock wound down.
Indeed, Monterrey pressed hard, capitalizing on late-game opportunities, evidenced by Johan Rojos' curling shot which left the game at one goaltending lifeline for Monterrey. They found another chance from Sebastian Vegas whose header was deflected off the post by goalkeeper Luis Malagón, saving the day for América.
With this victory, Club América not only secured their 16th Liga MX title, adding another accolade to their storied history, but also cemented their reputation as the nation’s most successful club. Their recent accomplishments have left both fans and players celebrating with optimism amid the rumors of departures and new opportunities for stars like Álvaro Fidalgo, who still entertains the idea of returning to Europe. Yet for now, they can bask fully in the glow of this remarkable treble accomplishment.
