Club America’s short winning streak in the Clausura 2024 season ended after Necaxa held the defending champions to a goalless draw
CF Monterrey returned to winning ways and secured their third win of the season after beating Atletico de San Luis at home
In the Apertura 2023 season, Club America breezed past a ten-man CF Monterrey side 3-0 at Estadio Hidalgo
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Our Pick: Club America to win.
After securing a record-extending 14th Liga MX title at the end of the Apertura 2023 campaign, Club America started the Clausura 2024 season with the same passion and hunger. The club secured three 2-0 victories on the bounce. The first came against Tijuana, followed by victories against Queretaro FC and FC Juarez. The winning run came to an end last weekend when Necaxa kept the defending champions at bay and rescued a point. Both sides finished the game with ten men.
Monterrey are level on points with their next opponents. The five-time Liga MX champions started their Clausura campaign with back-to-back 2-0 wins over Puebla and Santos Laguna. The momentum was broken after Queretaro took a point from Estadio Hidalgo after a 1-1 draw, but Monterrey bounced back last weekend with a crucial 3-1 victory over San Luis. The win also avenged the playoff quarterfinal loss against the same side that shocked the masses.
This is the first big match for both sides this season. Neither club has tasted defeat this season, and predicting the winner in such a mercurial encounter is tough. However, Monterrey have fumbled against strong opposition on multiple occasions in the recent past. That statistic, coupled with Club America’s home advantage, gives them the edge in this encounter.
This fixture has provided a lot of entertainment to the spectators for many years. Since 2010, including multiple Liga MX playoff encounters and other competition matches, Club America and Monterrey have clashed 39 times.
With a win rate of 38 percent, Club America have won on 15 occasions. Not far behind, Monterrey have a win rate of 33 percent after registering 13 victories. The remaining 11 matches have ended in fiercely contested stalemates.
In the Apertura 2023 season, Monterrey hosted Club America at Estadio Hidalgo. The visitors took the lead inside three minutes after Jonathan Rodriguez broke the deadlock. The hosts were reduced to ten men after Maximilian Meza was sent off in the 18th minute.
Rodriguez scored his and Club America’s second goal just three minutes after the dismissal of Meza. Alex Zendejas made it three around the half-hour mark. No goals were scored after the break as the visitors waltzed away with a win, a clean sheet, and all three points.
The goalless draw against Necaxa in the last match may have halted Club America’s winning run, but that does not change the fact that the defending champions have lost just one out of their last 26 Liga MX matches.
Monterrey and Tigres UANL will be the main rivals who will try to dethrone the defending champions this season. A positive result against Monterrey will not only keep Club America’s unbeaten streak alive but also help the team clear one of the biggest hurdles in the league.
However, every Goliath encounters a David at some point during the season. At this point, Club America are flying with destiny in their own hands. But only a moment of complacency could be responsible for a colossal collapse.
After receiving his marching orders in the match against Necaxa, Richard Sanchez will serve his suspension and remain unavailable for the next game. Leonardo Suarez will be on the sidelines due to an ankle injury.
Meanwhile, Club America fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of Nestor Araujo, who has been out for five months because of a knee injury. The defender is expected to return to the squad in a few days.
Luis Malagon kept nine clean sheets in 20 appearances for Club America last season. This Clausura season, the shot-stopper has four clean sheets in as many appearances.
The robust backline of Igor Lichnovsky, Sebastian Caceres, and Kevin Alvarez has also contributed to this, and their aim will be to secure another shutout in the next match.
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The outcome of this match will ultimately boil down to which side keeps its head and commits the least errors. It will be a high-octane fixture, and that is a big concern for a Monterrey side that has struggled in similar encounters over the past couple of seasons.
Monterrey have already fumbled once this season after the side dropped two points against a weak Queretaro team. Coach Fernando Ortiz’s goal will be to improve his men’s performance in big games.
After winning a crucial tie against San Luis in the last match, the stage is set for Monterrey to cause an upset for Club America in their own backyard. If they clinch all three points, it will be a statement victory for the visitors.
To secure a positive result, Monterrey will primarily rely on their new signings. Brandon Vazquez has made his mark on Liga MX and has scored three goals in three games.
In midfield, Jorge Rodriguez has registered three assists in as many appearances. The duo has matched or even surpassed the expectations that came with them, and more of the same will be expected in the next match.
Ortiz is eagerly waiting for Luis Romo to regain match fitness and return to Monterrey’s midfield. However, the 28-year-old remains doubtful ahead of the next match.
A knee injury to Jesus Gallardo has ruled the left-back out of contention till March. Apart from that, Monterrey have no other injury concerns.
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Teams: Club America vs. Monterrey CF
Location: Estadio Azteca
Time: Saturday, February 3 at 10:00 pm ET
How to Watch: Univision, Telemundo, Fox Sports, ESPN, Vix and Sling TV
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