In an exhilarating display of football, Alejandro Zendejas emerged as a star for Club América, scoring the decisive goal in the 49th minute against Monterrey during the first leg of the Liga MX final. The match, which unfolded at Estadio Cuauhtemoc in Puebla—Club América’s temporary venue for the championship—saw a blend of early misfortune for Monterrey and a resilient performance from Las Águilas that set the stage for what could be a historic title run.
From the onset, Monterrey faced adversity as Lucas Ocampos sustained a muscle injury just four minutes into the match, requiring an early substitution. Despite this setback, the team, under the guidance of coach Martin Demichelis, managed to maintain a dominant presence throughout the first half. Key players such as Héctor Moreno and Sergio Canales orchestrated the gameplay, exhibiting impressive ball distribution that kept Club América on the defensive.
Monterrey capitalized on their possession when Canales scored from a distance in the 35th minute, expertly exploiting a defensive lapse from Club América. This goal initially gave Monterrey the momentum and a 1-0 lead, igniting excitement among their fans.
Not to be outdone, Club América quickly regrouped. In the 39th minute, the team’s persistence paid off when fullback Kevin Álvarez found the back of the net after a chaotic scramble in the penalty area. The swift response not only equalized the score but showcased the fighting spirit of the players, turning the tide of the match just before halftime.
The energy and intensity that marked the first half set the scene for an explosive second half, as both teams understood the significance of taking the lead heading into the returning leg of the final.
As the second half began, Club América quickly asserted their dominance. In a well-coordinated counterattack, midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo demonstrated exceptional vision, delivering a pinpoint pass that split Monterrey’s defense. Zendejas, with a deft touch, maneuvered into position and struck expertly to the left of the goalkeeper, putting his team ahead 2-1 just four minutes into the half. This remarkable play underscored Zendejas’ importance as a pivotal player for his team, reflecting not only his skill but also his ability to perform under pressure.
The game took another twist when Canales, integral to Monterrey’s control in midfield, had to exit the game in the 65th minute due to an injury. His departure significantly hampered Monterrey’s ability to mount threats, allowing Club América to seize control of the match. The home side’s ability to maintain possession and dictate the pace of the game kept them safely ahead as they continued to repel Monterrey’s attempts at a comeback.
As the match drew to a close, Club América’s defense of their slim lead highlighted their tactical discipline, earning them a hard-fought 2-1 victory. This result signifies a crucial advantage as they prepare for the return leg in Monterrey on Sunday.
The victory positions Club América favorably for the second leg, where a win would mark their third consecutive championship—an achievement unprecedented in the short-season era of Liga MX. If successful, it would also push their all-time trophy count to 16, solidifying their status as the team with the most titles, with a comfortable lead over Chivas.
Conversely, Monterrey, desperate to respond, will aim to overcome this challenge and pursue their sixth championship, seeking to reclaim glory under Demichelis’ leadership for the first time since 2019. The stakes remain high as this finals matchup promises more excitement, intensity, and ultimately, a battle for supremacy in Mexican football.