Club América tops Apertura 2022 regular season, beats eight playoff foes
When Club América clinched the first‑seed finish in the Liga MX Apertura 2022 regular season, the buzz in Mexican football was deafening. Led by manager Fernando Ortiz, the team secured the top spot with a 2‑1 win over Puebla on October 1, 2022 at the historic Estadio Cuauhtémoc. The victory not only sealed a league‑leading 38 points but also underscored a striking trend: América defeated eight of the eleven clubs that would later qualify for the postseason.
Why the regular‑season sweep matters
In a league where the top twelve advance to the playoff phase, racking up points against non‑playoff teams inflates a record without truly testing depth. América’s 25 points earned against playoff‑caliber opponents demonstrate that their dominance wasn’t a fluke—it was a measured, sustained performance against the best competition.
Breakdown of the eight playoff victories
Here’s the lineup of teams América put to the sword during the 17‑match campaign:
- Toluca (home win, 3‑1)
- FC Juárez (away win, 2‑0)
- Pachuca (home win, 4‑2)
- Cruz Azul (away win, 2‑1)
- Tigres UANL (home win, 3‑0)
- Necaxa (away win, 2‑1)
- Chivas Guadalajara (home win, 3‑1)
- Puebla (away win, 2‑1)
The lone draw came against Monterrey, who finished second with 35 points. The two losses were to third‑place Santos Laguna and an unnamed setback that the club prefers not to recall.
Key figures behind the surge
Striker Henry Martín was the vocal leader, posting a heartfelt tweet after the Puebla win: “Gracias a mis compañeros, al cuerpo técnico y a todos ustedes por el apoyo! Lo más importante es el Club y vamos con todo para ganar este torneo!”
Midfield dynamo Roger Martínez (Colombia) and Spanish playmaker Álvaro Fidalgo supplied the goals that night, cementing a balanced attack that would later tally 37 league goals.
Playoff journey: from quarterfinal blowout to semifinal heartbreak
As the number‑one seed, América bypassed the re‑classification round and faced Puebla again in the quarterfinals. The two‑leg tie turned into a goal‑fest: 6‑1 on October 12 and 5‑1 on October 15, for an 11‑2 aggregate that seemed to guarantee a final appearance.
But the semifinals against Toluca exposed a fragile edge. In the second leg on October 23, Martín struck a dramatic injury‑time header that would have sent América to the final on a higher‑seed tiebreaker—only for officials to flag it offside. The decision sent a ripple of disbelief through the Estadio Azteca crowd.
Post‑match, Ortiz accepted responsibility: “I’m the one responsible for this sporting failure,” he said, before adding, “Obviously I want to continue [as manager].” Toluca, guided by Ignacio “Nacho” Ambriz, advanced to the final, where they fell 8‑2 on aggregate to Pachuca.
Statistical snapshot
- Regular‑season record: 12‑2‑3 (38 points)
- Goal differential: +21 (37 scored, 16 conceded)
- Points vs. playoff teams: 25 of 38
- Winning streak: 9 consecutive matches – club record
- Quarterfinal aggregate: 11‑2 over Puebla
Why this performance still matters
Even though América didn’t lift the Apertura trophy, the data set a benchmark for future campaigns. Scoring 37 goals in a 17‑match span while maintaining a stout defense is a rare combination in Liga MX history. Moreover, the nine‑match winning run after a shaky start (three losses in five games) shows a resilience that could attract high‑profile signings ahead of the Clausura.
Analysts also note that the compressed playoff schedule—forced by the 2022 FIFA World Cup—tested squad depth more than a typical season. América’s ability to dominate both legs of a quarterfinal under such pressure highlights why they remain a perennial contender.
Looking ahead: what’s next for the Águilas?
With the Apertura title out of reach, the club will pivot to the Clausura, hoping to retain most of the core that sparked the late‑season surge. Ortiz’s contract runs through 2024, and rumors swirl about a possible summer acquisition of a veteran centre‑back to shore up the back‑line that conceded 16 goals.
Fans, meanwhile, are already chanting “¡Esto es América!” on social media, confident that the momentum built in the second half of 2022 will carry them through the next campaign.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many of the playoff teams did Club América defeat during the Apertura 2022 regular season?
América beat eight of the eleven clubs that later qualified for the postseason, earning 25 of its 38 total points against those opponents.
What was the impact of Henry Martín’s disallowed injury‑time goal in the semifinal?
The goal would have sent América to the final on the higher‑seed tiebreaker. Its removal meant Toluca advanced, and the decision sparked widespread debate about officiating standards in Liga MX.
Which players scored in the crucial 2‑1 win over Puebla on October 1, 2022?
Colombian forward Roger Martínez opened the scoring, while Spanish midfielder Álvaro Fidalgo added the winner late in the second half.
What does the club’s nine‑match winning streak signify for future seasons?
It set a new club record and illustrated the squad’s ability to adapt mid‑campaign, a trait that may help América contend for titles in the upcoming Clausura.
How did the compressed playoff schedule affect Club América’s performance?
The accelerated timeline, imposed to accommodate the 2022 FIFA World Cup, left little recovery time between matches. América’s ability to dominate the quarterfinals despite this stress underscores their depth and tactical preparation.
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