Head coach Antonio Mohamed (pictured) and Club America will face Tigres in the 2014 Liga MX Apertura final. (Photo: Mexsport)
MEXICO CITY -- For the third time in the last four Liga MX tournaments, Club America has earned a place in the final. A 3-0 aggregate triumph over Monterrey in the Apertura semifinals propelled it into a two-legged tug of war with Tigres for domestic superiority.
The Aguilas last lifted the trophy after the 2013 Clausura – its record-equaling 11th title – under the guidance of current Mexico manager Miguel Herrera.
“I am very happy to make the final,” said Antonio Mohamed, Club America’s current head coach. “We put in a great effort and we have gone through adverse situations and beautiful moments. I am grateful for my players. We are very good. The team is very strong. We are in a spectacular moment and we want to enjoy this week knowing that we have the chance to be champions.”
To be champion, however, Mohamed’s squad will have to figure out a way to breakdown a Tigres defense that has conceded only three goals in their last seven games, including two shutouts in the semifinal series against Toluca.
The final’s first leg is scheduled for Thursday at the Estadio Universitario in San Nicolas de los Garza. Mohamed realizes that the initial 90 minutes could prove pivotal in deciding the ultimate winner.
“Finals are played to be won,” expressed Mohamed, who led Club Tijuana to the 2012 Apertura championship. “They are two teams that defend well, so I think the first goal that is going to be scored is going to be the final one.”
In addition to leading Club America to the final, Mohamed directed the club to the quarterfinals of the 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League. Liga MX success, though, holds special significance for the 44-year-old former Argentina international.
“It would be the most important achievement of my career,” he finished. “They brought me here for that, so it would be like touching the sky with my hands. I am going to put all my energy this week in to achieving what we want.”
Club America will host the second leg on Sunday at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
