USMNT's Alejandro Zendejas scores game-winner to help Club América end 33-year winless streak in Liga MX Finals with 2-1 victory over Monterrey

U.S. international Alejandro Zendejas scored the game-winner for Club America to secure a 2-1 win against Monterrey in the first leg of the Apertura Liga MX 2024 Final.

The team led by André Jardine took an important step towards the title by winning 2-1 in a thrilling encounter played at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla. This victory holds historic value for América, as it broke a 33-year streak without winning the first leg of a Liga MX final.

Zendejas and Kevin Álvarez were responsible for helping Los Águilas overturn a 1-0 deficit, with the Spaniard Sergio Canales opened the scoring for Rayados. The match was filled with intensity, with both teams seeking control of the ball at all times, but it was the Águilas who took the advantage in this first act of the series that will determine the champion of the Apertura 2024.

With a mix of experience and youth, the Águilas managed to overcome a Monterrey team that, although it showed quality, could not counteract the determination of the capital team.

America are one win away from securing a third-straight Liga MX title. During the regular season, Zendejas had two goals and two assists in an injury-abbreviated season, making 12 appearances.

The last time América won a first-leg match in a final was in 1991, when it faced Pumas. In that match, the Águilas won 3-2 at Estadio Azteca, a victory etched in the club’s history.

Since, América had failed to win any of its next 11 first-leg final matches. It wasn’t until the Apertura 2024 that the club finally broke that streak, securing a crucial victory in the first game of the series and marking a historic moment for Los Águilas.

With the advantage gained in the first leg of the Apertura 2024 Grand Final, América now has the opportunity to close the series in their favor in the second leg. Jardine's team must maintain its focus and capitalize on the momentum of this historic victory when facing Monterrey at Estadio BBVA.

Although the advantage is favorable, the team knows that there is still much to play for, as the Rayados are a high-quality opponent.

For América, the goal is clear: Achieve the three-peat and become the first team in the history of short tournaments to accomplish that feat. With key players like Henry Martín, Zendejas, and Álvaro Fidalgo, the team has the talent and experience needed to fulfill their dream of lifting the trophy.

The second leg of this Final promises to be a high-voltage duel, and Los Águilas. are determined to crown a season that, so far, has been historic.