In Columbus, Ohio, Néstor Araujo was the hero for Club America as he scored the decisive goal in a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over the Columbus Crew following a 1-1 draw in the Campeones Cup final on Wednesday night. Araujo’s goal came after the Crew’s Malte Amundsen hit the crossbar with his attempt, allowing Club America’s goalkeeper Patrick Schulte to secure the win.

Victor Dávila made a significant impact by scoring in the 68th minute to initially give Club America the lead. However, the Columbus Crew fought back as Amundsen found the net in the 77th minute to level the match. Dávila, who was brought on as a substitute in the second half, showcased his speed and skill to outpace the Crew’s defenders and score the opening goal. The Chilean player recently joined Club America from CSKA Moscow just two weeks before the final.

This was the second appearance for both Club America and the Columbus Crew in a Campeones Cup final. Club America had previously lost to Atlanta United in 2019, while the Crew emerged victorious in the 2021 edition by defeating Cruz Azul. Prior to the final, the two teams had faced each other in the group stage of the 2023 Leagues Cup, where the Crew emerged triumphant with a 4-1 win.

The Campeones Cup, established in 2018, is an annual match-up between the MLS Cup champions and the winners of Mexico’s Campeón de Campeones. Club America has been in top form recently, clinching consecutive Liga MX titles in the 2023 Apertura and 2024 Clausura seasons. Meanwhile, the Columbus Crew are the reigning MLS Cup champions and also claimed victory in the Leagues Cup earlier this year.

The game saw Club America dominate possession in the first half, although the Columbus Crew gradually gained momentum as the match progressed. Schulte, Club America’s goalkeeper, made a crucial save on Álvaro Fidalgo’s opportunity in the 59th minute to keep his team in contention. This thrilling encounter between the two powerhouse clubs showcased the talent and competitiveness of North American soccer.

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