Controversy and heartbreak as América’s title dream ends | OneFootball

Club América’s hopes of an historic fourth consecutive Liga MX title were dashed after a 2-0 defeat to Toluca in the Clausura 2025 final—a result that left players, staff, and fans searching for answers both on and off the pitch.

After a tense goalless draw in the first leg, América arrived at the Estadio Nemesio Diez with everything to play for, but struggled to assert themselves in attack. The deciding moment came in the second half, when Sebastián Cáceres was penalised for a challenge on Robert Morales after an incisive through ball from Alexis Vega. Referee César Arturo Ramos awarded Toluca a penalty, sparking instant outrage amongst América supporters, who argued the Uruguayan defender had played the ball. On social media, América fans labelled the decision as a ‘robbery’, while rival Cruz Azul supporters pointed out similarities to past controversial penalty decisions involving both clubs.

América’s frustration was compounded by attacking woes that surfaced throughout the play-offs. For the first time in club history, the team failed to score in either leg of a final. In the Liguilla, Jardine’s side drew blanks in four out of six matches—a striking statistic for a team accustomed to grand attacking displays. The 2025 final was not only their fourth successive appearance, but also a painful first in which they finished without a goal.

The sting was felt even more keenly as captain Henry Martín, leading scorer and a key figure in their recent success, was forced off the pitch in tears early in the second half with a muscle injury. He was replaced by Rodrigo Aguirre, but the change did little to alter América’s fortunes in front of goal. Martín’s exit was emblematic of a night when little went right for the three-time defending champions.

In the aftermath, América’s message to fans was defiant, if sombre. “Grande no se nace, se hace todos los días. Un tricampeonato. Cuatro finales consecutivas. Y vamos por más. La grandeza no está asegurada, nunca dejemos de buscarla,” read the club’s official channels, vowing to continue their pursuit of greatness.

There will be little time to dwell on this defeat. América next face Los Angeles FC for a spot in the 2025 Club World Cup, and a swift rematch with Toluca looms on 20 July in California, where the Campeón de Campeones title will be on the line. As they turn the page on a lost final and the end of their title streak, Jardine’s América are tasked with regrouping quickly—determined to prove their era of dominance is far from over.

Source: Record, Marca