For a record 14th time, Club América is the champion of Mexico.
América defeated Tigres in a dramatic Apertura final second leg on Sunday night, winning the match 3-0 in extra time for a 4-1 aggregate victory.
After the teams drew 1-1 in the first leg in Monterrey on Thursday, the second leg at the Estadio Azteca was a tight affair until three América goals in extra time, sandwiched by two Tigres red cards, turned the tide.
Tigres substitute Raymundo Fulgencio was the first to be shown a red in the 80th minute. After Julián Quiñones gave América the lead in extra time, Tigres goalkeeper Nahuel Guzmán was sent off for a second yellow.
Down to nine men, Tigres were powerless to prevent two more goals. First Richard Sánchez and then Jonathan Rodríguez scored rockets to put the gloss on a title for Las Aguilas.
The first half saw both sides looking slightly disjointed and each picking up two yellow cards before the break.
Both goalkeepers were called into action, with Guzmán and América’s Luis Malagón making key stops to prevent possible goals.
¡¡Respondió Malagón!! 🧤⚽️
Gran atajada de Ángel Malagón para evitar el primero de Tigres. pic.twitter.com/8JGmcuYBYk
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) December 18, 2023
The home side couldn’t find the title-winning goal before the end of regulation, but Quiñones would give them the lead just a minute after extra time began. The Mexico international scored from close range after Guzmán had saved his initial effort.
¡¡¡G⚽️⚽️⚽️L!!!!
En menos de un minuto del arranque del Tiempo Extra, Julian Quiñones anotó el primero para el @clubamerica.
El global está 2-1.#LigaBBVAMX | #GranFinal | #Apertura2023 pic.twitter.com/tU6Vwlk2yb
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) December 18, 2023
Down to nine men, Tigres’ hope was officially extinguished only 10 minutes later when Sánchez doubled the home side’s lead.
¡¡¡G⚽️⚽️⚽️L!!!!
¡¡Al Ángulo!! 🦅🔥
Richard Sánchez recuperó el balón y sacó este derechazo para poner el 2-0 en el Azteca.
El global está 3-1 a favor del @ClubAmerica.#LigaBBVAMX | #GranFinal | #Apertura2023 pic.twitter.com/vdkoLtVJyS
— Liga BBVA MX (@LigaBBVAMX) December 18, 2023
There was still time for Rodríguez to score with virtually the last kick, as Las Aguilas turned what was a mostly tight match into a lopsided final score.
