Campeones Cup final: Columbus Crew falls to Club América after thrilling penalty shootout

Wilfried Nancy, coach of the Columbus Crew, reigning MLS Cup champions, could only laugh in disbelief after a controversial no-call left the club without another major title. In a dramatic columbus crew – américa showdown, the Crew lost to Club América in the Campeones Cup final after a thrilling 5-4 penalty shootout, which extended to seven rounds following a 1-1 draw at Lower.com Field in Columbus, Ohio.

The match between america vs columbus crew featured the reigning MLS and LIGA MX champions. Unfortunately for the Crew, club américa lifted the trophy on the same pitch where Columbus had celebrated their MLS Cup and Leagues Cup victories. The decisive moment came in the penalty shootout, where Malte Amundsen, who had equalized in the 77th minute, missed his shot, hitting the crossbar. It appeared América goalie Luis Malagón left his line early, but no call was made.

Nancy expressed frustration with the officiating, praising the referees for explaining the penalty rules—until the crucial moment that cost the Crew the title. “The goalkeeper was not on his line,” Nancy said. “The referee said it didn’t affect the shot. Sorry, I’m laughing because the rules are rules.”

In the end, Néstor Araujo of américa scored the game-winning penalty, beating Crew goalie Patrick Schulte to clinch the 5-4 victory. This marked the Crew’s second loss in a championship this year, after previously winning the 2023 MLS Cup against LAFC and the Leagues Cup final in August. Despite Wednesday’s setback, Columbus remains a top contender in MLS.

The match saw columbus crew américa battle until the very end. Víctor Dávila, who came off the bench for club américa, scored the opening goal in the 68th minute, taking advantage of a defensive lapse by the Crew. Amundsen responded with a well-placed header from a corner kick, tying the match 1-1 in the 77th minute. However, the penalty shootout decided the outcome, with alineaciones de columbus crew contra club américa playing a crucial role in the intense showdown.

Despite missing key players like Diego Rossi and Christian Ramirez, who were substituted out earlier, the Crew fought hard. Schulte delivered a big save in the 58th minute against Álvaro Fidalgo, keeping the game level at the time. Yet, the dramatic finish favored américa vs hoy, leaving Columbus without the title.

The result adds another accolade for américa, a powerhouse in LIGA MX with 15 league titles. Players like Víctor Dávila, Rodrigo Aguirre, and Diego Valdés delivered for their side in the shootout. Columbus, on the other hand, was left to reflect on their 2-2 record in finals over the past year.

Looking ahead, Columbus will shift focus to their remaining MLS season, starting with a visit to the White House to celebrate their 2023 MLS Cup win before facing D.C. United on Saturday. The Crew will also host Lionel Messi and Inter Miami next Wednesday, in a match that could impact the MLS Supporters’ Shield race. Despite the loss, coach Nancy remains proud of his team, stating, “We got close to winning this game, but we didn’t. We have to digest and move forward.”

This result not only adds another victory for Club América, but also underscores the Crew’s continued success in recent years, with their eyes still set on more silverware in MLS.