Monterrey's dreams of clinching its first Liga MX title at home were dashed as they faced Club América in the historic Apertura 2024 final. The match, held on December 15, 2024, at the Estadio BBVA, saw Monterrey's team under coach Martín Demichelis fall short with an aggregate score of 2-3.
The defeat marked the sixth time Monterrey has ended as runners-up when closing at home, clearly underscoring the team's struggle to secure victory on familiar turf. Demichelis, who recently completed his first season with the club, expressed his disappointment but remained optimistic about the future.
"No, el agradecimiento, nos quedamos ahí en la puerta, nos quedamos muy cerquita, teníamos la ilusión de hacerlos felices [a la afición], pero vieron que hasta el último momento el equipo se desvivió por intentar hacer que la Copa se quede acá," Demichelis remarked, acknowledging the heartfelt hopes of the fans who filled the stadium. He emphasized his team’s relentless efforts until the final whistle, reinforcing their commitment to do all they could to secure victory.
Despite the heavy loss, Monterrey's performance throughout the season was marked by remarkable achievements. The team secured nine wins alongside four draws and four losses leading to their place at the top of the standings. Their playoff campaign was equally impressive, as they triumphed over Pumas with a convincing cumulative score of 6-3 before demolishing Atlético de San Luis, taking them to the grand finale.
On this night, the only glimmer of hope for the diabluz team came from Johan Rojas, whose late goal brought some consolation. It is worth noting, though, the timing of this goal was not enough, as it came too late for Monterrey to change the course of the match. "Lamentablemente el gol llegó tarde, el remate en el travesaño también, nos anotaron un golazo, pero vamos a seguir trabajando duro para volver a otra Final," he said, reflecting on the missed opportunities and pledging to work even harder to return to the playoffs.
Historically, Monterrey's struggles at home have been evident; they have now faced defeat on numerous occasions when it mattered most, including finals against coaches like Atlante and Tigres. This much-anticipate closure against América, who are now championed by André Jardine, became another chapter of disappointment turned reality.
For Demichelis, this final was more than just a loss; it was also about learning, growing, and building resilience within his team. Being on the list of coaches who reached the finals during their debut season, along with esteemed figures like Ricardo 'Oso' Ferrero, marks him as part of Liga MX's elite coaching ranks, paving the way for potential future successes.
Moving forward, Demichelis and his squad are determined to regroup and refine their strategies. They know their supporters are yearning for victory, and the coach is committed to ensuring they will give their best to fulfill these aspirations. Monturey fans have proven their loyalty and passion all season long, and the team, under Demichelis’ guidance, must now focus on capitalizing on learnings from this experience.
The next challenge lies within the upcoming tournaments. The determination to improve performances and eventually lift the coveted trophy for their fiercely loyal fanbase remains at the forefront of their ambitions. "Vamos a volver" – the poignant message from Demichelis rings as both hope and warning to their future competitors.
