América and Monterrey face off in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2024 final at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. América aims for a historic third consecutive title, entering as favorites despite a rocky regular season. Monterrey, having dominated their semifinal, also comes in strong, setting the stage for a fiercely contested match. The game features strategic lineups and early goals, with América securing a slight edge with a 2-1 victory heading into the second leg.
The Liga MX Apertura 2024 final has kicked off with an electrifying match between América and Monterrey at Estadio Cuauhtémoc. This match is not just a battle for the championship but a potential historic win for América, who could become the first team in the history of short tournaments to win three consecutive titles. Despite their challenges in the regular season, América's performance in the playoffs has sparked hope among their fans. On the other side, Monterrey entered the finals with a robust display in the semifinals, making them a formidable opponent.
Both teams entered the final with strong lineups. América, coached by André Jardine, featured Luis Malagón; Kevin Álvarez, Israel Reyes, Sebastián Cáceres, Ramón Juárez, Cristian Borja, Jonathan Dos Santos, Álvaro Fidalgo, Alejandro Zendejas, Víctor Dávila, and Henry Martín. Monterrey, under Martin Demichelis, lined up with Luis Cárdenas, Stefan Medina, Víctor Guzmán, Héctor Moreno, Gerardo Arteaga, Oliver Torres, Sergio Canales, Lucas Ocampos, Jorge Rodríguez, Iker Fímbres, and Germán Berterame. The strategic choices in these lineups played a crucial role in the unfolding of the game.
The match was intense from the start, with both teams creating significant opportunities. América missed a crucial chance when Cristian Borja shot over the goal. Monterrey responded with a stunning goal by Sergio Canales, giving them an early lead. However, América quickly equalized with a goal from Kevin Álvarez following a rebound. The first half ended with high tension and anticipation for the second half, where América managed to take the lead with a goal by Alejandro Zendejas, setting the stage for a gripping second leg.
With América leading 2-1, the stage is set for an explosive second leg in Monterrey. Both teams have everything to play for, and the slight advantage for América adds extra pressure on Monterrey to perform on home soil. The tactical adjustments made by both coaches will be crucial in determining the outcome of the final. Fans can expect another thrilling encounter as both teams vie for the prestigious Liga MX title.
The first leg of the Apertura 2024 final between América and Monterrey has set the tone for what promises to be a dramatic conclusion to the tournament. With América seeking a historic third consecutive title and Monterrey eager to claim the championship on home turf, the upcoming second leg will undoubtedly be a spectacle of high-quality football and strategic gameplay. Fans and neutrals alike eagerly await the culmination of what has been an exciting and unpredictable tournament.
"Una noche de estas que no vamos a olvidar nunca. Sabíamos que éramos capaces de encontrar la versión del América bicampeón, de encontrar títulos. Nos hablaron muchas mier..., pero aguantamos calladitos, a veces el formato de la Liga nos permite estas cosas. Me siento muy feliz. La vida del entrenador no se permite disfrutar tanto porque mañana tenemos que pensar en la final." - André Jardine