Club América's 11‑2 Quarterfinal Blast Stuns Liga MX, Sets Up Epic Toluca Final

When Club América rolled out an 11‑2 aggregate drubbing of Puebla in the Liga MX Clausura 2025 quarterfinals, the Mexican football world stopped in its tracks.

The rout, posted on May 11, 2025, was powered by a relentless offense orchestrated by André Jardine, the Brazilian‑born manager who has turned the capital club into a modern dynasty since taking the reins midway through 2023.

Here’s the thing: an 11‑2 aggregate score isn’t just a win; it’s a statement that América’s brand of attacking soccer can overwhelm any opponent, even in the high‑stakes "Liguilla" where defenses usually tighten up.

Context: How América Got to This Point

The Clausura 2025 regular season saw América finish first with 38 points, edging out Deportivo Toluca Fútbol Club by a single point. Their goal‑scoring tally — 64 goals over 17 matches — was the highest in the league since the 2013‑14 season.

Jardine’s impact has been immediate. After inheriting a squad that had slipped to a disappointing 7th place in Apertura 2024, he introduced a high‑press system that saw the team average 17 shots per game, a league‑leading figure.

Fans still recall the turning point on October 22, 2024, when América beat Monterrey 4‑0 at Estadio Azteca, a match that sparked a 12‑game unbeaten run heading into the playoffs.

Quarterfinal Details: América vs. Puebla

The first leg, played on May 5 at Estadio Cuauhtémoc, ended 6‑1 in favor of América. Striker Kevin Álvarez notched a hat‑trick, while midfielder José Paradela added two assists.

In the return fixture on May 10, the hosts piled on another five goals, wrapping the aggregate at 11‑2. The second‑leg match featured a surprise cameo from 19‑year‑old prospect Ozziel Herrera, who ran the ball from midfield to the net for his first playoff goal.

"We knew Puebla would press, but our game plan was to keep the tempo high and force errors," Jardine said in the post‑match press conference. "When you have players willing to run 12‑plus kilometers each half, the result follows."

Semifinal Showdown: América vs. Cruz Azul

The next hurdle was the age‑old rivalry with Cruz Azul. The first leg on May 15, 2025, took place at Mexico City. Cruz Azul’s Ignacio Rivero scored in the 59th minute, a quick header set up by Carlos Rodolfo Rotondi, giving the visitors a 1‑0 edge.

Things got spicy when Cruz Azul were reduced to ten men after a red card in the 73rd minute. The fire brigade of América, led by the indomitable Alejandro Zendejas, rallied and secured a 2‑1 win in the second leg on May 19, pushing the aggregate to 2‑2. A 5‑4 penalty shoot‑out saw América advance, marking their 11th consecutive playoff series victory.

"It’s a rivalry that never gets old. The pressure is massive, but our players, especially the younger ones, showed great composure," Jardine noted.

The Final Duel: América vs. Toluca

Facing Toluca in the final was a narrative straight out of a drama series. Toluca, under Argentine coach Antonio Mohamed, had gone 15 years without a league crown. Their semifinal triumph over Tigres UANL, a 3‑1 aggregate win, set the stage for a showdown that would determine whether América could claim a historic fourth straight title.

The two‑leg final unfolded on May 25 (first leg) and May 28, 2025. Toluca’s disciplined defense, marshaled by veteran centre‑back Jorge Sánchez, kept América’s attack at bay. A solitary goal from Toluca’s striker Germán Berterame in the 42nd minute of the first leg proved decisive.

The return match in Toluca saw another clean sheet, with the home side adding a second goal via a free‑kick from Jesús Corona. The 2‑0 aggregate victory handed Toluca their eleventh league title and snapped their 15‑year drought.

Mohamed, who now joins a short list of managers to win titles with four different clubs, said, "We built this team around belief and unity. Beating a giant like América is proof that hard work beats reputation."

Why This Matters: Shifts in Mexican Football Power

América’s near‑perfect playoff run — 11 straight series wins, 44 goals scored across six matches — reinforced their status as the modern benchmark in Liga MX. Yet Toluca’s triumph signals a potential power shift. Analysts point to Toluca’s investment in a data‑driven scouting system, which identified undervalued South American talent such as Berterame and his compatriot Stiven Mendoza.

The championship also reshapes the upcoming Campeón de Campeones clash. As Apertura 2024 champions, América will meet Toluca again in a single‑match showdown in July, a fixture that could decide who truly dominates the 2024‑25 season.

Key Facts

• América’s quarter‑final aggregate win: 11‑2 over Puebla (May 5 & 10, 2025).
• Semifinal against Cruz Azul ended 2‑2 on aggregate; América advanced on penalties.
• Toluca won the final 2‑0 on aggregate, ending a 15‑year title drought.
• Antonio Mohamed became the third manager in Liga MX history to claim four titles with four different clubs.
• André Jardine has won every season he’s managed América (Clausura 2024, Apertura 2024, Clausura 2025).

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, both clubs have busy calendars. Toluca will compete in the 2025 CONCACAF Champions Cup, while América prepares for the Campeón de Campeones and a possible return to the international stage in the 2026 Copa Libertadores qualifications.

Fans can also expect a heated transfer window. América is rumored to be targeting a left‑back from the Argentine league, whereas Toluca is scouting a replacement for Berterame should he attract European interest.