In a thrilling first leg of the Liga MX final, Club América showcased its resilience and tactical prowess with a 2-1 victory over Monterrey at Puebla’s Estadio Cuauhtémoc, a neutral ground for this championship series. The game served as a testament to the high stakes and intense rivalry that often characterize matches at this level. Not only was the outcome pivotal for both teams, but it also set the tone for the subsequent fixture that would determine the tournament champion.
The match took an unfortunate turn for Monterrey early on when Lucas Ocampos suffered a muscle injury in the fourth minute, forcing coach Martín Demichelis to make an early substitution. Despite this setback, Monterrey dominated possession for most of the first half. Key players such as Héctor Moreno, Víctor Guzmán, and Sergio Canales dictated the tempo and movement of the game for Los Rayados, creating several opportunities that put Club América’s defense under pressure.
Monterrey’s first breakthrough came in the 35th minute, with Canales capitalizing on a poorly organized defensive setup by Club América. His long-range effort not only marked the opening goal but also underscored the urgency that had been brewing within the Monterrey squad. However, just as it seemed that Los Rayados were asserting their control, Club América flipped the script.
Responding to going a goal down, the home side wasted no time leveling the score. In a rapid counter-attack, Kevin Álvarez displayed remarkable composure. After Zendejas struggled to finish a chance, Álvarez picked up the pieces and equalized in the 39th minute, illustrating the importance of persistence in football. This goal shifted the momentum back in favor of Club América, demonstrating their ability to capitalize on defensive lapses from their opponents.
As the game resumed after halftime, it was clear that Club América came out with renewed vigor. The pivotal moment arrived in the 49th minute, when midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo executed a precise pass that split Monterrey’s defenses. Zendejas, who had already proven instrumental in creating chances, showcased his clinical finishing skills by slotting the ball past the opposing goalkeeper to give Club América a 2-1 lead.
This goal not only marked a personal triumph for Zendejas but also placed Monterrey on the back foot, forcing them to chase the game. However, another injury blow would strike Monterrey when Canales, having been a central figure in their attacking scheme, had to be substituted in the 65th minute. His absence stunted Monterrey’s momentum, making it increasingly difficult for them to mount a successful comeback.
As the clock wound down, Club América successfully maintained their lead, securing a narrow 2-1 victory that leaves the door open for the second leg in Monterrey. The win places Los Águilas in an advantageous position, with opportunities to make Liga MX history. Should they manage to win the championship, they will not only claim their third consecutive title but will also extend their impressive record to 16 league titles, furthering their dominance over their arch-rivals, Chivas, who remain at 12.
On the flip side, Monterrey faces the daunting task of overcoming a deficit in front of their home crowd for the return leg. The pressure mounts as they seek their sixth title, and the first under Demichelis, which would serve as a significant milestone for the coach. The second leg promises to be a dramatic encounter, with both teams aspiring for glory and a place in Liga MX history.
While the first leg demonstrated Club América’s tactical resilience through Zendejas’s brilliance, Monterrey will undoubtedly regroup and come out with renewed determination. Football, as always, promises the unexpected, and all eyes will be on the upcoming clash that could define a season.