América secure back-to-back Liga MX titles with win over Cruz Azul

Club América have won back-to-back championships and extended their record tally of Liga MX titles to 15 after defeating rivals Cruz Azul 2-1 on aggregate in the 2024 Clausura final.

Following Thursday's first leg that ended in a 1-1 draw at Cruz Azul's Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, Sunday's second leg at Club América's Estadio Azteca finished in a 1-0 scoreline in favor of the home side.

Delayed due to a storm, the weekend's second leg kicked off with early interventions made by América goalkeeper Luis Malagón. In response to dangerous headers on target from Uriel Antuna and Ángel Sepúlveda, Malagón stepped up with two highlight-worthy saves within the first 23 minutes. Malagon would later need to step up again with a vital stop in the 37th minute after a dangerous shot from distance from Gonzalo Piovi.

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Despite Cruz Azul's dominance in the first half and three shots on target, the scoreline remained level at 0-0 as both sides headed to their locker rooms for the halftime break.

The pressure from the visitors continued through the second half.

By the 55th minute, it looked as if Cruz Azul had taken a 1-0 lead after a goal from Lorenzo Faravelli, but the play was soon called offside, thereby ruling out the goal.

The momentum would eventually shift towards Club América in the second half after fullback Israel Reyes was fouled in the 18-yard box by Cruz Azul defender Carlos Rotondi. Following a lengthy check from VAR, which confirmed a penalty, Club América striker Henry Martín stepped up to the spot and scored to make it 1-0 by the 78th minute.

"América is always surrounded by controversies, there are many people who try to discredit our triumphs, our victories. Whenever we win, there is always some type of discussion," Club America coach Andre Jardine said.

With a chance to equalize the scoreline, Cruz Azul's Rodrigo Huescas landed a shot on target in the 91st minute that was once again saved by Malagón.

Although both sides continued to trade jabs in the last stages of the game, Martin's lone goal would remain the difference-maker after the final whistle was blown, cementing Club América's status as back-to-back champions in Mexico's top flight.

Thanks to their 15 titles, Club América have extended their record tally of Liga MX trophies. Chivas are second all-time with 12 titles, while Toluca are third with 10 and Cruz Azul are fourth with nine.