Columbus Crew Gear Up for Campeones Cup Showdown Against Club America

The reigning MLS champions, Columbus Crew, are set to face off against Liga MX titleholders, Club America, in the highly anticipated 2024 Campeones Cup. The match, taking place Wednesday night at Lower.Com Field, brings together two of North America’s most successful teams, with both clubs chasing continental glory in this prestigious clash between MLS and Liga MX champions.

A Battle of Champions

The Campeones Cup has been a fixture on the football calendar since 2018, with the exception of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. MLS clubs have triumphed in three of the five editions, including a victory for the Crew in 2021. Liga MX, however, claimed the first-ever Campeones Cup in 2018 and most recently in 2023, when they defeated LAFC.

This year, the Crew find themselves in their third Cup final of the year, and they are up against a formidable opponent in back-to-back Liga MX champions, Club America. The matchup is more than just a trophy game—it’s a collision of two powerhouse clubs that are currently among the best in North America.

Columbus Crew’s Journey: “Learning to Suffer”

For the Crew, the key to success has been resilience. Christian Ramirez, the Crew forward, summed up the team’s mentality heading into the final: “In every game, especially in these finals, you have to learn to suffer and get through those moments and still be able to impose yourself and your style of play.”

Columbus has shown remarkable endurance throughout 2024, making it to their third Cup final of the year. With a squad that thrives under pressure, they will be looking to channel that experience to impose their style and claim yet another piece of silverware.

Club America: A Different Team, a New Challenge

On the other side, Club America enters the final as a transformed team since their last encounter with the Crew. U.S. international and Club America winger Alex Zendejas reflected on the changes the club has undergone over the past year: “I can say that we’ve changed a good amount from that time. It’s been a year now, but that was when our coach first took charge. Every time a new coach gets to a new team, you have to get used to his style of play, what he asks of you.”

With their sights set on redemption, Club America are more prepared and confident heading into this crucial showdown. Having grown under their current coach, they will aim to prove that their recent form is no fluke as they chase another Campeones Cup title.

Excellence on Display

As the two teams prepare for the clash, the Campeones Cup offers a platform for both MLS and Liga MX to showcase their elite talent. Columbus Crew, aiming to cement their place as one of North America’s top clubs, will face off against a revitalized Club America, hungry for success and eager to continue their dominance.

Wednesday night’s match promises to be a thrilling battle of skill, resilience, and tactical brilliance, as two serial winners vie for supremacy in a contest where excellence will undoubtedly take center stage.