Liga MX Apertura Final: Club América vs. Monterrey

Domestic soccer in Mexico can be unpredictable at any time, and especially so during the rollercoaster that is the Liga MX playoffs. But going into Thursday’s first leg of the Apertura tournament final, one thing is for certain: a United States men’s national team player is going to be crowned champion.

Club América’s Alejandro Zendejas and Brandon Vazquez of Monterrey are two dual-national U.S. attackers who currently call Mexico home. While Zendejas is thriving in Mexico City, Vazquez’s initial stardom 400 miles to the north has faded, yet even that contrast makes for a narrative filled with intrigue ahead of the final.

Club América: The Eagles' Soar

How They Got Here

Injury problems and a busy schedule pushed and pulled the Mexico City giants through inconsistent results and questionable performances. That said, with all other competitions in the rear view mirror, Liga MX's most successful team has lost just once in their last 12 games. In the playoffs, they've embraced a five-man backline that carried them to victories over Toluca in the quarterfinal stage, and a dramatic semifinal turnaround against rivals and No. 1 seed Cruz Azul. It's no longer high possession futbol, but that won't matter to fans who are eager for a third straight title.

One Reason They'll Win, and One Reason They Won't

Why they'll win? Head coach André Jardine and his roster are no strangers to the situation at hand after winning the last two Liga MX titles. The switch to a more cautious style has worked wonders, and despite their possession numbers plummeting due to this, they've been efficient going forward and more defensively solid. As to why they'll lose, this switch also poses a risk for the team that is now providing fewer opportunities in the final third. Club América's four playoff games have featured their three matches with the fewest chances created in the 2024 Apertura. The experiment has so far worked for Jardine, but this also means he could set himself up for doom if his players aren't able to be as dangerous as they need to be in the final third.

Club América's Player to Watch: Ramón Juarez

In a roster that is filled with some of the best and brightest in North American club soccer, the standout playoff player for Las Aguilas has been 23-year-old academy product Ramón Juarez. The central defender has been invaluable with his interventions -- which included an impressive total of 30 clearances in the semifinal legs -- and also recently stepped up with a goal against Cruz Azul. If head coach Jardine continues to prioritize a more reactive than proactive style of play, Juarez will be a vital cog in the defensive line. A call-up to Mexico's senior national team might be next!

What a Title Would Mean for Club América

It would mean that Las Aguilas continue to be in a class of their own in Mexican soccer. Currently the all-time league-leaders with 15 championships to their name, Club America would then become the first in Liga MX to win three consecutive titles (in the short season era). Jardine, once an unknown commodity outside of Mexico, would also highlight that he's the best coach in Liga MX. Although modern Mexican soccer has seen a financial pivot to rising northern giants like Monterrey and Tigres, a 16th championship for Club America would once again cement that they are still the undisputed kings.

Monterrey: The Rayados' Charge

How They Got Here

Like Club América, inconsistency was the norm until the final stages of the season. Once on a lackluster summer stretch that earned a 3W-3D-4L record across all competitions, Monterrey have now picked up their pace with five wins from their last six. Things took some time to adjust under a new era with head coach Martin Demichelis, but the attack is flying with recent stand-out performances from marquee names like Sergio Canales, Germán Berterame, and Oliver Torres. Often seen as more of a group of wealthy talented individuals and less like a team, Los Rayados are finally starting to gel.

One Reason They'll Win, and One Reason They Won't

With arguably the deepest roster in all of North American soccer, Demichelis has no lack of back-up plans and back-ups to those alternates. Momentum is also key for the team that played their best 90+ minutes of soccer this season in last week's 5-1 thrashing of Atletico San Luis in the semifinal stage. All that said, this is a club that can also struggle defensively. While their attacking numbers have started to improve, this is also a side that ranks third-to-last (playoffs included) when looking at the percentage of aerial duels won, and also ranks just 10th in the percentage of all duels won. Let's not forget, they've been scoring plenty in the playoffs, but have also allowed five goals in just their last three matches.

Monterrey's Player to Watch: Sergio Canales

It has to be their guiding light and No. 10 in the midfield, Sergio Canales. The 33-year-old Spaniard, who has stepped up with four goals and four assists in just his last six appearances, has been a joy to watch. His vision remains world-class and it's no surprise as to why the leader is occasionally selected as team captain. If Monterrey succeed, it'll likely be due to the player who loves to pull the strings in the starting XI -- and occasionally score as well.

What a Title Would Mean for Monterrey

A championship would be a worthy prize for an organization that has tried to shift the epicenter of Mexican soccer to the north through an immense amount of investment. Through they have the best and most modern stadium in Liga MX, back-to-back championships for their women's team, some of the league's most celebrated stars, three runs as the cumulative year-long points leaders since 2015, they also just have one title in the last decade. A sixth championship would not only help steal the spotlight away from the traditional big four from Mexico City and Guadalajara (Club America, Chivas, Cruz Azul, Pumas), but would also give a much-needed boost as they hope to make some noise at the 2025 Club World Cup.

The USMNT Connection: Zendejas and Vazquez

The presence of Alejandro Zendejas and Brandon Vazquez adds another layer of intrigue to this final. Both players have navigated complex paths to represent the USMNT, facing challenges and overcoming obstacles to reach the highest level of the game. Zendejas's journey involved a contentious switch in allegiance from the U.S. to Mexico and back again. While Vazquez's path was less fraught with controversy, it nonetheless reflects the perseverance required to make it in professional soccer.

The final is significant for both players, representing a chance to further establish their reputations on the international stage. A title-winning performance would undoubtedly enhance their chances of securing a permanent spot in the USMNT lineup, making this final even more compelling for American soccer fans. The winner of this match will have a considerable impact on how the future USMNT roster looks in the next few years.

The Final Verdict: A Tight Contest

Defense wins championships, and after a hard fought first leg, Club America will narrowly defeat Monterrey in the second leg. One can't help but feel as if Demichelis is still figuring things out after arriving in August, and as for Jardine, his experience in Mexico and more pragmatic approach points to him fighting off Monterrey's attacking efforts. Club America, with a narrow aggregate score victory, should win Liga MX's 2024 Apertura title. However, the games will be closely fought and either team could emerge victorious. This promises to be a thrilling contest!