In case it wasn’t already obvious: Club América, with their tally of 16 trophies and arguably the largest fan base in Concacaf, have once again proven on Mexico’s highest stage that they are the undisputed kings of Liga MX.

After Sunday’s 1-1 draw secured the 2024 Apertura title with a 3-2 aggregate win over Monterrey, Las Aguilas not only extended their championship record, but also became the first team in Liga MX’s short-season era to win three consecutive trophies.

The giants of Mexico City are inevitable and not even divine intervention could stop them. A day before Club América’s away final game, a Monterrey fan’s social media account posted a video of a priest blessing the pitch at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer with holy water, with the caption: “We need all the help we can get.” can get.”

Given the success Las Aguilas The blessing that has existed since the 1950s has been a plea to heaven and the football gods, who have often been kind to Club América or, at least since last year, to Brazilian coach André Jardine. Jardine was hired in the summer of 2023 and was initially considered an underqualified signing after more prominent coaches such as Javier Aguirre and Gregg Berhalter were reportedly included. Because of Club América’s status, new hires are typically reserved for either larger-than-life or standout personalities and are not typically fielding someone like Jardine, whose last two jobs were with Liga MX minnows Atlético de San Luis and the Brazil youth national team.

His relative obscurity was highlighted by the fact that the coach literally began his 2023 introductory press conference by telling the media how to correctly pronounce his name. “Good day to everyone,” said the Brazilian in his first words as coach of Las Aguilas. “It’s Andre Jar-DI-no.”

Journalists and fans would soon learn much more about the meticulous coach who quickly transformed his team into a well-oiled machine. Jardine focused heavily on everyday training and found the perfect balance of attack and defense. Supported by in-form goalkeeper Luis Malagón, Jardine took Club América to two number 1 positions and two consecutive titles heading into the 2023 Apertura season and the 2024 Clausura season.

Few could have predicted his immediate rise, and in the recent Apertura run, even fewer expected a trophy in a season where it looked like Club América would endure a long, back-to-back championship hangover. Injuries, the need to play away from the Estadio Azteca, a congested schedule pushing through various competitions, and the general feeling that teams had figured out his possession-based approach through a four-man backline toppled Jardine and his squad into the deep eighth at the end of the regular season.

When the playoffs began in November, the back-to-back champions were underdogs at best. But as seen in last week’s two-game final win over Monterrey, it was his ability to adapt and evolve in the Apertura that elevated Jardine’s hero status to a living club legend Liguilla. Defense became a priority, as did a five-man defense that helped solidify their own half of the field. Possession numbers plummeted, causing his squad to be more reactive than proactive.

For some in Mexican football, this meant going against Club América’s identity and culture, which aims to be the goal-hungry protagonist. The fan community motto of “Odiame Mas“ (“Hate Me More”) is based on a desire for one-sided attack results rather than cautious pragmatism. Bigger managerial names with equally big egos like Club América would likely have maintained a more proactive style in the playoffs. That’s not Jardine, though.

“It’s not easy at all because you have a lot of quality players, so I used the whole tournament to create opportunities,” the coach told TUDN after the game about developing his methods over the course of the season. He also later noted that he still needed “a spectacular attack but a very solid defense that would bring us closer to the title.”

After overtaking Toluca and Cruz Azul in the quarter-finals and semi-finals, the coach held on well in the 3-2 aggregate win against Monterrey in the final, averaging just 38.9% possession. Club América impressed with the way they absorbed the pressure and even more so with their goals Los Rayados with breathtaking counterattacks that were efficient in the final third.

Of course, the players themselves also deserve a lot of credit. On defense, 23-year-old young player Ramon Juarez was the MVP of the playoff run with his contributions to the defense. At right-back, the ever-energetic Kevin Álvarez suddenly reminded Mexican national team fans why he should still be in the conversation El Tri. Up front and as a roving playmaker/winger, USA international Alejandro Zendejas created chances and goals while also struggling to win the ball back. Midfielder Richard Sánchez, who returned to the starting line-up in the second leg and responded with a long-range shot golazois also worth mentioning. The list continues when mentioning the outstanding personalities of Club América who made history.

From a much broader perspective on what Jardine and his players have achieved, they have also halted a shift in the tide of the league that is gradually shifting more northwards towards backers like Monterrey and the talented Tigres. In the 21st century, no Mexican team has grown as much or invested as much as the northern crosstown rivals that have regularly lived in the shadow of the traditional big four: Club América, Chivas, Cruz Azul and Pumas. It’s not just the investment in the squad that has made some of these traditional giants seem tiny in comparison.

Sunday’s final game took place at the Estadio BBVA Bancomer in Monterrey, the new and modern crown jewel of Liga MX stadiums. Had Los Rayados won, it would have been an exclamation point for the organization, which has invested heavily in all areas, including its women’s team, which is currently two consecutive champions in the Liga MX Femenil.

Chivas, Cruz Azul and Pumas have been largely silent in this transition to the modern era driven by the likes of Monterrey, but the same cannot be said for Club América, which is keeping pace with its own recruitment. And as crowns were presented to the players during Sunday’s celebrations, their status as royalty extended their reign for a third consecutive year as they lifted the Liga MX trophy in Monterrey’s brilliant but fragile fortress.

With Jardine leading the attack as the monarch – and the fans with chants of “Tricampeon” (Three-time champions) — Club América has built not just a dynasty, but a legacy that perhaps no other team in Mexico can surpass. Humble when he arrived, and perhaps out of appreciation for what the football gods do I believe Nor that this power goes to his head with the greatest in Liga MX. Once an unknown name who had to tell journalists how to pronounce it, he was now considered by many to be the best manager of his team.

“I have – or at least try to – my ego very, very under control, I am part of an impressive institution,” he told TUDN. “I think I’m a little lucky to come at a time when the institution, like everything else, was ready to win.”

As the countdown to Clausura 2025 begins in early January, perhaps a fourth consecutive title is on the horizon.