In an exhilarating first leg of the Liga MX final, Alejandro Zendejas showcased his skills as he netted a crucial goal that propelled Club América to a 2-1 triumph over Monterrey. The match, which took place at Puebla’s Estadio Cuauhtémoc—temporary home for the finals—was marked by an early injury that significantly altered the momentum of the game. Lucas Ocampos of Monterrey suffered a muscle injury just four minutes in, prompting an unexpected substitution and forcing his team to adjust both strategically and mentally so early in the match.
Despite this setback, Monterrey exhibited commendable resilience in the first half, maintaining control of possession. As they sought to dominate the midfield, players like Héctor Moreno, Víctor Guzmán, and Sergio Canales played instrumental roles in orchestrating their attack. Their ability to navigate the field under pressure exemplified their experience, but they required a breakthrough to capitalize on their dominance.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the 35th minute when Canales seized an opportunity from outside the penalty area. With a precise shot that dazzled spectators, the Spain midfielder found the back of the net, giving Monterrey a 1-0 lead and temporarily silencing the home crowd. The goal highlighted Monterrey’s offensive capabilities but raised questions about Club América’s defensive organization.
However, the disappointment for Club América was short-lived. The team quickly regrouped and launched a counter-attack. This decisive moment came when fullback Kevin Álvarez capitalized on a scramble within the 18-yard box just before halftime. Following a mishit shot from Zendejas, Álvarez swiftly recovered, slotting the ball into the net to restore parity with just minutes left in the first half. This responsive goal not only shifted the momentum back in favor of Club América but also served as a testament to their tenacity and determination.
The second half commenced with heightened intensity, and it was evident Club América was more resolved than ever. Just four minutes into the half, Álvarez strung together an impressive play that set up Zendejas for a brilliant opportunity. The winger displayed keen awareness and deft skill as he expertly executed a shot, sending the ball past the Monterrey goalkeeper to give Club América a 2-1 lead. This goal not only elevated Zendejas’s profile on the pitch but also underscored his importance to the team’s offensive dynamics.
The home side continued to leverage their newfound lead, but Monterrey faced an uphill battle following another injury to their pivotal player, Canales, who had to leave the field in the 65th minute. His absence left a void that diminished Monterrey’s attacking rhythm and made it increasingly challenging for them to find scoring opportunities. As the minutes ticked away, the pressure mounted on Los Rayados, and the lack of crucial support from the bench further hampered their efforts to equalize.
Looking Ahead: The Second Leg and Championship Aspirations
As the final whistle blew, Club América celebrated a hard-fought victory, which set the stage for an intriguing second leg this Sunday in Monterrey. With this narrow lead, they now stand on the cusp of history. A victory in the return leg would not only mark their third consecutive championship in Liga MX’s short-season era but also solidify their status as one of the league’s most successful clubs, extending their record to 16 championships.
Conversely, Monterrey is left to regroup and strategize for a comeback in hopes of claiming their sixth title, pursuing their first under new head coach Martín Demichelis. As they enter the next leg, the stakes couldn’t be higher, and the passionate supporters on both sides are ready to witness a thrilling conclusion to an exciting Liga MX final.