In a remarkable display of resilience and tactical prowess, Club America has etched their name in the record books of Mexican football by securing their third consecutive Liga MX title in the Apertura 2024 tournament. A tricampeonato under circumstances that would have seen lesser teams falter, Las Águilas rose above all adversity even when it seemed the odds were stacked against them. This unprecedented three-peat marks a significant milestone, not only for the club but for the history of the league as well. Since the adoption of the short tournament format in 1996 there has never been such an accomplishment until now.

Club America's Historic Three-Peat in Liga MX: A Triumph Against All Odds

The Bumpy Road to Glory

The journey to this historic achievement was anything but straightforward for Club America. Starting the Apertura 2024 campaign with little to no vacation or preseason. Add on top of that players out due to international competition and an irregular starting XI and you had the catalyst for an uncharacteristic eighth place finish in the regular season standings. The team faced numerous challenges throughout their campaign, including a long list of injuries and fluctuating form. However, under the adept guidance of coach André Jardine, Las Águilas soared through adversity.

Injury Plagued Season

The season was marred by the unprecedented injury crisis. Key players like Henry Martín, Diego Valdés, Sebastian Cáceres and Néstor Araujo, were constantly in and out of the match day squad due to injuries. It seemed that no matter what André Jardine always had at least two or three key players out. Add on top the loss of Igor Lychnovski who was so vital to the defense, who was out for the entirety of the season. The squad depth was tested like never before, with players like Alejandro Zendejas, Brian Rodríguez, and Rodrigo Aguirre stepping up not just to fill gaps but to lead the charge.

The team's form ebbed and flowed, with several defeats in the regular season casting doubts on their championship credentials. The then Bicampones were at a crossroads as the regular season came to an end. They finished in a precarious 8th place, making their playoff journey through the "Play-In" stage, a testament to their resilience rather than their dominance during the regular season.

Fighting Against All Odds

Finishing in 8th place meant América would have the misfortune of having to go up against the heavy favorites and close out the games on the road. They navigated the "Play-In" stage in a tough match against Tijuana that went down to wire, winning in penalties. Only to then have to face off against Toluca, one of favorites to win the league. Dispatching them with a resounding 4-0 aggregate score in the quarter-finals. Then overcoming Cruz Azul in a thrilling semi-final clash filled with late drama. The final against Monterrey was a testament to their strategic depth, with the series ending 3-2 on aggregate. Richard Sánchez's long-range rocket in the second leg was the decisive moment that sealed this historic triumph.

Looking back at the treacherous road this team had, it seemed all odds were stacked against them. Having to fend off and beat the number one and two placed teams seemed like a tall task for many. Yet, the team defied the odds and instinctively with their winning DNA charted course into enemy territory and won convincingly. Something they lacked during the regular season.

A Season Won Playing on the Road

From the outset, Club America faced the daunting task of having to play without the comfort of their home stadium, the Estadio Azteca, which is currently under construction for the 2026 World Cup. This meant that every "home" match was essentially an away game, with the team never finding a way to settle into the Cuidad De Los Deportes Stadium. The psychological and strategic impacts of this cannot be overstated, turning each match into a battle of endurance and adaptability. Yet it was fitting enough that the team would manage to win their coveted tricampeonato on away soil. Seeing as how the entirety of the season the team always played outside of their true home.

A Historic Achievement

This victory makes Club America the first team to clinch three consecutive Liga MX titles in the era of short tournaments (Apertura and Clausura), a format that has been in place since 1996. Previously, the league had seen teams like Atlas (2021-2022), León (2013-2014), and UNAM (2004) win back-to-back titles, but never three in a row under this system.

Before the short tournament era, Club America had already tasted this level of success, achieving a three-peat during the seasons of 1983-1984, 1984-1985, and the shortened Prode 1985. However, this recent achievement in the modern format cements their status as a dominant force in Mexican soccer once more.

This tricampeonato is not just another line in the record books; it's a narrative of overcoming significant obstacles. Club America once again imposes its greatness upon the rest of the league and will look to cast a shadow on the region next year with tournaments like Concacaf Champions Cup and Leagues Cup.