In a thrilling encounter at Puebla’s Estadio Cuauhtemoc, Club América emerged victorious with a 2-1 win against Monterrey in the first leg of the Liga MX final. The match, characterized by key injuries and tactical shifts, showcased the resilience and strategic acumen of both teams. Most notably, U.S. men’s national team winger Alejandro Zendejas proved to be the hero, scoring a decisive goal early in the second half.
The match kicked off with an early setback for Monterrey when Lucas Ocampos fell victim to a muscle injury just four minutes in. Ocampos’ premature exit forced manager Martin Demichelis to adjust his lineup, but Monterrey displayed commendable composure despite this hiccup. In fact, they dominated possession during the first half, with Héctor Moreno, Víctor Guzmán, and Sergio Canales orchestrating their offensive plays. This ball control translated into a breakthrough goal in the 35th minute when Canales unleashed a powerful shot from distance, catching Club América’s defense off-guard.
Turning Point: Club América’s Response
The first-half dominance exhibited by Monterrey was challenged when Club América quickly leveled the score just four minutes later. An aggressive counterattack culminated in a scramble inside Monterrey’s penalty area, where Kevin Álvarez expertly slotted home a mishit opportunity from Zendejas. For Club América, this moment not only boosted the scoreboard but also injected renewed energy into their squad.
This turning point presented a stark contrast in momentum, leading to a revitalized Club América that came out strong after halftime. The tactical adjustments made during the break were evident; the players displayed increased urgency and attacking intent, eager to seize control of the match.
Alejandro Zendejas managed to establish himself as a game-changer early in the second half. In the 49th minute, he received a beautifully timed pass from midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo while capitalizing on the slackness from Monterrey’s defense. Zendejas‘ acumen and technical skill were on full display as he executed a well-placed shot to the left of the goalkeeper, securing what would be the match-winner.
Zendejas not only contributed with a critical goal but was a constant thorn in Monterrey’s defense throughout the match. His ability to navigate tight spaces and create plays turned the tide of the game in favor of Las Águilas.
Injury Concerns and Fate’s Favor
As the match progressed, injuries continued to plague Monterrey, with Sergio Canales asking to be substituted in the 65th minute. Losing such a pivotal player further impeded their ability to concoct meaningful attacks or regain possession, forcing them on the back foot against the relentless pressure from Club América.
With the weight of the match increasingly tipping in their favor, Club América seized control as Monterrey struggled to find a response. The final whistle rang in their favor, sealing a hard-earned victory. However, the celebration was tempered by the knowledge that the away leg in Monterrey loomed only days away.
The narrow 2-1 advantage sets the stage for a gripping return leg on Sunday. Club América’s ambition to secure a third consecutive championship—which would be a historic feat in the short-season format of Liga MX—now hangs in the balance. Should they prevail, it would not only bolster their impressive trophy cabinet to 16 championships but also solidly place them ahead of their traditional rivals, Chivas.
On the other hand, Monterrey, still reeling from key injuries, must regroup and find a way to harness their recent form if they aspire to claim their elusive sixth title. The pressure is palpable, and the implications of this first leg will resonate into the future of both teams in the Liga MX landscape, making the upcoming clash one that fans and analysts alike will keenly anticipate.
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