Club America downs Morelia to book Liga MX final against Monterrey

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MEXICO CITY -- First half goals from Renato Ibarra and Federico Vinas helped Club America to a 2-0 win on Sunday over Morelia to set up a Liga MX final against Monterrey.

America clung on as Morelia searched for a late winner, but the series finished 2-2, with Las Aguilas advancing due to their higher regular season finishing position.

America pressured from the off, but needed to be patient in waiting for the breakthrough in front of a full Estadio Azteca.

Ibarra found space on the edge of the penalty area and fired in a shot that took a deflection on the way into the net, wrong-footing Morelia keep Sebastian Sosa in the 37th minute.

Ibarra injured himself in the celebration and was replaced by Colombia international Roger Martinez.

Vinas headed in from the center of the penalty area seven minutes later, from a Martinez cross, to put America in position to advance to the final.

VAR was called upon to rule out a goal for Morelia 20 minutes from the final whistle. Center-back Jose Ortiz had sent the approximately 2,000 Morelia fans wild with what would've been a decisive away goal, before it was canceled.

Morelia striker Fernando Aristeguieta had a late chance in the dying second, but his header was straight at keeper Guillermo Ochoa, who caught it with ease.

On Saturday, Monterrey defeated Necaxa 1-0 to go through 3-1 on aggregate in the first semifinal. The fact Monterrey will be competing in the Club World Cup in Qatar means that the Liga MX final against Club America will be postponed until Dec. 26 and Dec. 29.

The first leg will be played at Monterrey's Estadio BBVA, with the return in Estadio Azteca.

America looking to extend its lead as Liga MX's most successful club by winning its 14th title, while Monterrey is currently on four championships.