Las Águilas host Toluca in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 Final, chasing historic fourth straight title
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América chasing a historic fourth straight title
Diablos aiming to end a 15-year championship drought
The return leg will be played Sunday at the Nemesio Diez
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Club América continues to show its hunger for greatness as it pushes toward another milestone. With a strong foundation – both tactically and emotionally – the team is just 180 minutes away from achieving what few clubs can claim: a Liga MX tetracampeonato (four consecutive league titles).
Team captain and emblematic forward Henry Martín made it clear that, inside the locker room, there is no sense of pressure – only motivation to keep making history. The Yucatán-born striker, a key figure in this golden era for Las Águilas, stood firm in defending the process that brought them to this position.
"Winning three straight titles isn’t something you see every day, and fighting for a fourth just drives us more," Martin said. "We don’t talk about pressure here – we talk about dreams. Failure? You can’t call a team that’s won three titles in a row a failure. Life is full of stumbles, but we’re building something great."
Since joining the club in 2018, Henry has faced numerous challenges. With a career full of ups and downs, every championship means more. He believes the struggles along the way were essential to the success.
"No one’s life is a straight line upward," he said. "We all fall, and football is no different. Those painful semifinal losses, the early exits… all of that prepared us. The last time we lost a final, seven of the players on the field are still with us today. That shaped our character and brought us to where we are now – fighting for another title."
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
A pivotal figure in América’s transformation has been head coach André Jardine. The Brazilian has successfully stamped his philosophy and leadership on the team. Henry was full of praise for Jardine, whom he considers a key factor in their recent success.
"Since he arrived, everything’s improved. At first, it was tough adjusting to new systems – we were used to playing one way. But Jardine made us evolve, and now we can switch tactics with no problem. He’s the best coach I’ve ever had, both for his tactical ability and the way he unites the group. If he asked me to be the goalkeeper, I’d do it without hesitation," he said with a laugh.
Beyond coaching, another critical force behind América’s winning streak has been the mentality instilled by club owner Emilio Azcárraga. Goalkeeper Luis Malagón pointed out how the owner’s ambition has become contagious across all levels of the organization.
"After the title against Monterrey, the first thing Emilio told us was: ‘Now we have to go win the next one.’ That hunger to win starts at the top. Emilio transmits that desire to keep achieving, and that makes a real difference," said the keeper.
With a winning culture firmly in place, a committed squad, and a forward-thinking leadership group, América is thriving. The pursuit of a fourth consecutive title isn’t a burden – it’s fuel. And one thing is clear: this team is far from satisfied.
Getty Images SportWHAT ÁLVARO FIDALGO SAID
"With André, I think we’ve found that balance in the playoffs. I’ve always said he’s a genius when it comes to reading the game, understanding exactly what each match demands," said the Spanish player about Jardine. "The confidence he gives us, the way he communicates with the group, the way the group respects and cares for him – whatever André says, goes."
Getty Images SportWHAT NEXT FOR CLUB AMÉRICA?
Las Águilas host Toluca in the first leg of the Clausura 2025 Final Thursday night. América are chasing a historic fourth straight title, while the Diablos are aiming to end a 15-year championship drought.