Monterrey vs Club América: Preview of the 2024 Apertura Liga MX Final

The 2024 Apertura Liga MX final is set to be a thrilling encounter between Monterrey and Club América, two of Mexico’s most decorated football teams. The final will be played over two legs, with the first match scheduled for Thursday, December 12, 2024, at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla, and the second leg on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at the Estadio BBVA in Monterrey.

Monterrey, known as *Los Rayados*, have made a remarkable comeback to reach their first Liga MX final since 2019. They overcame a higher-seeded Pumas side with an explosive second leg, scoring five goals to advance. In the semifinals, they turned around a first-leg deficit against San Luis, scoring another five goals in the second leg to secure their spot in the final.

Club América, or *Las Águilas*, have also defied expectations to reach the final. They secured their playoff spot with a dramatic penalty shootout win over Tijuana and then dominated Toluca in the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, they faced off against Cruz Azul in a thrilling seven-goal showdown, emerging victorious to seal their place in the final.

Club América is forced to play their home leg at the Estadio Cuauhtémoc in Puebla due to ongoing construction at their iconic Estadio Azteca. The team had initially requested to play at the Estadio Nemesio Diez in Toluca, but this request was denied. The Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes, home of Cruz Azul, was also ruled out due to the intense rivalry and recent semifinal clash.

The head-to-head record between the two teams suggests a high-scoring encounter. Club América has won three of the last five meetings, including a dramatic 89th-minute winner by Álvaro Fidalgo in October. However, Monterrey enjoyed a six-game unbeaten streak in this fixture before América’s recent run of success.

Key players to watch include Monterrey’s midfielder Óliver Torres, who has netted three goals in the Liguilla after failing to score during the regular season, and forward German Berterame, who has scored ten goals this season, including four in the Liguilla. For Club América, goalkeeper Luis Malagón, nominated for the Goalkeeper of the Year award, will be crucial in their defensive efforts.

Club América is chasing a record-breaking 16th Liga MX title, while Monterrey aims to win their 7th title and their first since 2019. The match promises to be intense, with both teams having strong recent performances and a history of high-scoring encounters.