Club América's 11‑2 playoff win marks first 10‑goal series since 2010

Club América dismantled Atlético San Luis 11‑2 on aggregate in the 2023‑24 Liga MX playoffs, becoming the first side to net more than ten goals in a single postseason series since 2010. The historic tally came under the steady hand of Brazilian boss André Jardine, and set the stage for a dramatic final against Tigres UANL later that December.

Background: Liga MX’s playoff tradition

Mexico’s top‑flight league has long prized tight, tactical battles in its liguilla (play‑off) phase. Since the 2010 reformat, no team had managed to breach the ten‑goal barrier in a two‑leg series – a benchmark that often separates cup specialists from league giants. The last to approach it was Santos Laguna, who scored nine against Monterrey in the 2009‑10 quarter‑finals.

When Club América entered the 2023‑24 Apertura‑Clausura hybrid, expectations were sky‑high. The Eagles had just clinched first place in the regular season table, riding a nine‑game unbeaten run that included a decisive 1‑0 victory over arch‑rival Pumas UNAM.

Playoff dominance: The 11‑2 aggregate

The quarter‑final clashed with Atlético San Luis, a side known affectionately as “Los Camoteros.” The first leg, played at Estadio Azteca on October 20, 2023, ended 6‑1 in favour of the Eagles. Henry Martín opened the scoring in the 4th minute, and by halftime the score was already 4‑0.

In the return fixture at Estadio Luis Fernández on October 27, América added another five goals, closing the series at an astonishing 11‑2. Julián Quiñones bagged a brace, while Diego Valdés contributed a late consolation. The aggregate not only shattered the ten‑goal ceiling but also highlighted a striking offensive efficiency: América’s xG (expected goals) for the tie stood at 9.3, meaning they out‑performed their statistical odds by a full 1.7 goals.

"We knew Atlético San Luis were a disciplined unit, but we simply refused to be patient," said Jardine in the post‑match press conference. "The lads understood the plan – press high, move the ball quickly, and finish the chances we create."

Final showdown: América vs. Tigres UANL

The semifinals set up a classic clash with Tigres UANL. The first leg on December 14, 2023, took place at Estadio Universitario in San Nicolás de los Garza. A 41,615‑strong crowd saw the teams dead‑locked 1‑1, the goal for América coming from a well‑placed header by Richard Sánchez.

Three days later, the decisive match unfolded back at Estadio Azteca. Referee Marco Antonio Ortiz Nava oversaw a tense 90 minutes that ended 1‑1 again, forcing extra time. It was then that Jonathan Rodríguez, nicknamed “Cabecita,” slipped in a third‑minute extra‑time strike, sealing a 3‑0 win on the night and a 4‑1 aggregate triumph.

Attendance swelled to 74,957, underlining the fixture’s national importance. "Winning a title is about moments," Jardine reflected. "Those extra‑time minutes showed the character of our squad."

International ambitions: The road to the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

Despite domestic glory, América’s calendar still holds a high‑stakes inter‑continental playoff. Because Club León was disqualified for breaching FIFA’s multi‑club ownership rules, a slot opened for the CONCACAF champion. Los Angeles FC will meet América on May 31, 2024, at BMO Stadium in LA. The winner earns a berth in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, slated to run from June 14 to July 13 across several U.S. cities.

Should América prevail, they would join Group D alongside English powerhouse Chelsea, Brazilian giants Flamengo, and Tunisian side ES Tunis. The prize pool exceeds $1 billion, with a $9.55 million participation purse alone. "Representing CONCACAF on a global stage is a massive responsibility," said forward Alex Zendejas.

Tactical evolution under Jardine

Jardine’s tenure began with a revolving door of line‑ups – 13 different starting XIs in his first 14 matches. By the playoffs, the system crystallised into a 4‑2‑3‑1 that favoured quick transitions. He trimmed wasteful crosses by 27 % and cut turnovers per game from 15 to 9, according to ESPN analytics.

Key to the offensive surge was the pairing of Martín and Quiñones just behind striker Zendejas, creating a tri‑ad that combined pace, aerial ability, and finishing. Yet, despite the surge in goals, conversion rates hovered at 12 %, indicating room for refinement.

"We are not content with just scoring; we want to be efficient," Jardine warned. "Next season, work on shot selection will be a priority."

Season summary and legacy

The 2023‑24 campaign concluded with an impressive 19‑8‑2 record across all competitions. América amassed 65 points in the league, clinched the Apertura crown, and added a historic playoff goal record to their résumé. The run also marked the first time since 2010 that a Mexican club scored double‑digit goals in a single liguilla series.

Fans left the Estadio Azteca buzzing, not just about the titles, but about a team that blended traditional Mexican flair with European tactical discipline. Whether the Eagles can translate that into global success at the Club World Cup remains to be seen, but the foundations laid by Jardine suggest they are ready for the next chapter.