Club América defeated Monterrey 2–1 in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura 2024 final and are now 90 minutes away from a third straight Liga MX title.
The game was tightly contested to start, with both teams having chances in an even first half. Sergio Canales opened the scoring for the visitors with a wonderful strike from distance that crowned a promising Monterrey first half. The lead lasted only two minutes, though, as Kevin Álvarez quickly leveled the scoring for Las Águilas before halftime.
The second half was owned by América. The reigning champions dominated the game and found the second goal after a beautifully crafted action that USMNT player, Alejandro Zendejas, buried in the 49th minute. América had plenty of chances to stretch their lead, but in the end, the first chapter of the final ended with a slight advantage for Las Águilas, setting up a thrilling second game on Sunday in Monterrey's Estadio BBVA.
