The semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League await the Reds after advancing past reigning Liga MX champs, Tigres UANL, 4-4 on away goals in the quarter-final.
The road to the final now runs through the historic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City as TFC look to continue their impressive run. Here’s everything you need to know about TFC’s next CCL opponent.
WHO: Club América (Mexico), founded in 1916
Fourth CCL appearance, two-time champions (2014-15; 2015-16)
Currently in fourth place in the 2018 Liga MX Clausura (6-1-6).
QUALIFICATION: 2016 Apertura runners-up
Las Águilas (The Eagles) finished the 2016 Apertura season in fifth place, five points back from first-place Tijuana.
In liguilla (a championship stage tournament similar to the MLS Cup Playoffs), fans were treated to another Súper Clásico between América and their archrivals (and fellow 2018 CCL semi-finalists) C.D. Guadalajara. Las Águilas came out on top, defeating Chivas 2-1 on aggregate over the two-legged quarter-final.
América then took down Necaxa in the semi-final before being narrowly defeated in the final by TFC’s quarterfinal opponent, Tigres UANL, in a penalty shootout.
Along with Guadalajara, América is recognized as one of the most well-supported and successful clubs in all of Mexico. The Eagles have won a record 12 league titles, five Copa MX crowns, and two CONCACAF Champions League titles.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: Oribe Peralta (FW), Jérémy Ménez (FW)
At 34 years of age, Oribe Peralta is still amongst the most lethal finishers in all of Liga MX. The Club América captain has spent the entirety of his career in Mexico and has bagged 170 goals in all competitions over the course of his 14-year career. Peralta has also enjoyed an accomplished career at the international level, representing Mexico at the 2014 World Cup before winning the CONCACAF Gold Cup in 2015.
Joining him in the attack is new signing Jérémy Ménez who joined from Turkish club Antalyaspor ahead of the 2018 season. Ménez has played for big clubs in Italy and France such as A.C. Milan, A.S. Roma, Monaco and Paris Saint-Germain and now joins arguably the biggest club in Mexico. Known for his pace and technical ability, the former French international is a threat whether deployed up front or out on the wing.
