An early goal from Alejandro Zendejas wasn’t enough to stop the reigning Liga MX champions from winning at Dignity Health Sports Park
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ToggleClub América's downward spiral in 2025 continued, as they lost yet another title – this time falling 3-1 to reigning Liga MX champions Toluca in the Campeón de Campeones on Sunday. It was another missed chance for redemption after losing the Clausura 2025 Final, which denied them a historic four-peat.
And that wasn’t the only failure of the year so far: América also fell short in the Champions Cup and failed to qualify for the Club World Cup, leaving them empty-handed in the first half of the year.
Mexican media didn’t hold back in their criticism, especially for head coach André Jardine.
“I don’t just think this is the worst moment of Jardine’s era – it’s the worst moment for the club in many years,” said Fox Sports Mexico analyst Rubén Rodríguez. “This isn’t just a results crisis, it’s a crisis of performance. The team isn’t playing well, they’re not generating the kind of football they should. Today, Toluca aren’t just celebrating the Campeón de Campeones – they’re celebrating that they’re clearly superior to América. This América side is good enough to compete, but not to win titles. It doesn’t give you the certainty it did in previous tournaments.”
Former footballer Fabián Estay, also Fox Sports, defended Jardine and said América are still favorites.
“They were the better team throughout the first half. When Toluca scored the 2-1, that was during América’s best spell,” he argued. “It’s very unfair to criticize Jardine now that things are going badly, because when he was on top, nobody said a word.”
On ESPN’s Futbol Picante, the commentary panel praised Antonio Mohamed for Toluca’s dominant performance.
“Once again, he proves he’s a master – a real coach. He analyzes opponents very well. After conceding early, he managed to contain América and outplayed them in every area,” said former player Ricardo Peláez. “América ran out of ideas after some substitutions that didn’t work.”
Ricardo Puig added: “I didn’t understand Jardine’s subs. I think when the team is functioning and he tries to take control with changes, it backfires.”
Commentary from Fox Sports' Raoul Ortiz and TUDN reporters shifted the tone. Ortiz claimed this loss might actually benefit América, saying, “This could be the best thing that happened to América – it will make them realize they need to go for a major signing. They have to go after Denis Bouanga.”
The LAFC player recently opened the door to a possible exit from MLS, and Club América owner Emilio Azcárraga hinted that negotiations with the Gabonese forward could be in the works.
“There are a couple of things we’re working on,” he said.
Said Fox Sports Mexico analyst Carlos Hermosillo, “If they bring in Bouanga, watch out for América."
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Toluca’s head coach shared his thoughts after the victory over América.
“I’m very happy," he said. "I’m grateful to the board for trusting us, and obviously, beating América always adds a little extra. We know they’re the biggest club in Mexico, so winning two finals against them in such a short time is a big deal.”
Toluca and LA Galaxy will face off in the 2025 Campeones Cup at Dignity Health Sports Park. The date has not yet been announced.
Jardine’s team will face Necaxa next Saturday in Matchday 3 of the Apertura 2025.