André Jardine has only lost three official games as América coach

André Jardine has overseen 27 official matches as coach of América – the team he took the reins of last summer. During that period his numbers are both positive and interesting: he has a an overall balance of 18 victories, eight draws and three defeats with the Coapa team, with whom he has already achieved a Liga MX title (Apertura 2023).

On Tuesday, Jardine’s men commenced their CONCACAF Champions League campaign, although they didn’t enjoy the start they had expected – a 2-1 defeat away to Nicaragua’s Real Estelí. It brought up the third defeat during Jardine’s time at the helm. We take a look at the teams that have beaten the Azulcremas under the Brazilian coach’s command.

Juárez

Bizarrely, André Jardine suffered his first defeat in charge of the Águilas on his debut. América announced his signing on 16 June 2023, he was officially presented five days later and oversaw his first game on 30 June against Juárez at the Azteca on matchday 1 of Apertura 2023. His team ended up losing 1-2 to the border team. The game started well enough – Leo Suárez put the Azulcremas ahead on 14 minutes. But it all fell apart in the dying moments. Los Bravos staged a late comeback with goals came through Aitor García in the 85th minute and Ángel Zapata on 90 minutes. It was the team’s only defeat in the entire regular phase last season.

Atlético San Luis

Jardine’s next defeat came during the postseason – on 9 December 2023 at the ‘Coloso de Santa Úrsula’ in the Apertura 2023 semi-finals. América had won the first leg convincingly – a 5-0 win meant the tie was practically over. In the return, they were beaten 2-0 with goals from Ángel Zaldívar. But it didn’t matter – they had already done enough, winning the tie 5-2 on aggregate to book a place in the final.

Real Estelí

América suffered a 2-1 defeat to Real Estelí at Independencia Stadium in Nicaragua on Tuesday night – a game corresponding to the first round of the CONCACAF Champions League. Marvin Bonilla put the host in front on 7 minutes, beating Luis Malagón with a Panenka-style penalty. On 46 minutes, the Central Americans extended their lead through Marvin Fletes. The Águilas gave themselves a fighting chance by pulling a goal back – Julián Quiñones’ stoppage-time strike could prove decisive when the two teams meet for the second leg next week.

Jardine’s América are next in action on Saturday when they are guests of León in matchday 6 of the Clausura 2024. That will be followed by the return leg of the CONCACAF Champions League Round 1 tie against Real Estelí at Estadio Cuidad de los Deportes on Wednesday. It’s a game they must win to progress to the next round – whoever prevails will meet the winners of the game between Guadalajara and Canada’s Forge FC.