Video: Club America's Richard Sanchez scores spectacular goal against Monterrey in Liga MX final

Club America traveled to the BBVA Stadium to face Rayados de Monterrey in the second leg of the Apertura 2024 Liga MX Final. Holding a 2-1 lead on aggregate, America extended their advantage early in the match when midfielder Richard Sanchez delivered a sensational strike in the 24th minute.

Despite already leading the tie, America approached the game with an attacking mindset. Moments before Sanchez’s goal, Henry Martin found the back of the net, but the effort was ruled out for offside.

The breakthrough came after a brilliant sequence of play. Alvaro Fidalgo launched a perfectly placed long ball to Alejandro Zendejas, who set up Sánchez with a deft header. Sanchez unleashed a stunning shot, giving Las Aguilas a commanding 3-1 lead on aggregate.

Monterrey pushed to stage a comeback and found a lifeline in the 85th minute. Spanish midfielder Sergio Canales threaded a precise ball to Johan Rojas, who had replaced Erick Aguirre earlier in the second half. Rojas cut inside the box and delivered a clinical finish to reduce the deficit to 3-2 on aggregate. However, Monterrey’s efforts fell short as the second leg ended in a 1-1 draw.

With a 3-2 aggregate victory, Andre Jardine’s side claimed their third consecutive championship. Las Aguilas now boast an unrivaled 16 Liga MX titles, further cementing their dominance. They are followed by Guadalajara with 12, Toluca with 10, Cruz Azul with 9, Leon and Tigres UANL with 8 each, and UNAM and Pachuca with 7 apiece.

A final series marred by injuries

Both America and Monterrey have left everything on the pitch in their pursuit of the Apertura 2024 title, but the intensity of the series has come at a cost, with injuries affecting key players on both sides.

In the first leg, Monterrey suffered a major blow when forward Lucas Ocampos sustained a muscle injury just four minutes into the match, ruling him out for the decisive second leg. America has also faced its share of setbacks, losing striker Henry Martin during the first half of the return leg, followed by midfielder Richard Sanchez—who scored the opening goal—in the 71st minute.