Despite a 4-2 advantage to Flamengo, Mexico's America continues to wave it's glorious banner for the millions of fans in their home country after a surprise 3-0 victory over the Brazilian squad in the Copa Libertadores.
Just what's up with the Aguilas is still a mystery in the Mexican Federation of Soccer. Maybe the taste has gone sour for the very relaxed, gum-chewing, World Cup goalie Guillermo Ochoa? Maybe it's the front office? The coaching? It just didn't work for the Aguilas in the Federation Mexicana de Futbol, where the century-old club finished last in the Clausura last Sunday.
Finishing the season at 3-2-12, America's results don't begin to measure up to their accomplishment in the South American Cup (a.k.a. Copa Libertadores).
America ended the final round in Mexico with a 1-0 victory over Monterrey after Juan Silva scored the single goal. Not so much a dazzling feat for the Aguilas, but it did grant them three points for a total of 11 in the 18-team general standings.
Whose left dazzling, and somewhat ill, is Flamengo.
Brasil's Flamengo had a 4-2 advantage over the Aguilas. A simple victory would've granted them a spot in the quarterfinals. And they were even playing at their Brazilian home.
And that's where America made up for lost time thrusting to a 5-4 global victory, and the ticket to the Libertadores' quarterfinals.
Salvador Cabañas scored twice, while Enrique Esqueda contributed a goal in the 3-0 win at Maracaná Stadium. America awaits the winner of Cucuta of Colombia and Santos of Brasil.
Despite the success in the Libertadores, the mystery of in the string of unfortunate losses in their own Mexican league awaits a solution. America has promised its fans to make changes in time for the next season of play.
In their reconstruction of the squad, America is likely to adopt the play and success they're having in the Libertadores and move it to Mexico.
Just what will change? How will they determine the problem(s). If they suffered terrible losses in the Copa Libertadores, at least that would be a clear indication of what to change. But they're successful - and lucky - which leaves the club comparing differences among teams in Mexico and those of South America.
Maybe an idea will radiate through the think tank of experts who are left wondering what they need to do toward a Mexican League championship?