When Nicolás Ricardo Larcamón, head coach of Club León walked onto the turf of Estadio León on November 29, 2023, the stadium’s lights seemed to spotlight one unsettling statistic: the Argentine had never beaten Club América in ten previous meetings.
Historical context: why the record matters
The numbers are stark. Since Larcamón arrived in Mexican football with Puebla in January 2021, he has faced the capital‑city giants ten times – eight of those in the regular season and two in the liguilla (playoffs). Six of those matches ended in defeat, the other four in draws, and not a single victory. Those draws came in the high‑tension moments of the Clausura 2022 tournament, when Puebla managed a 1‑1 hold in the regular round and a 2‑2 stalemate in the knockout stage.
Fans familiar with the rivalry recall the 2023 Apertura clash that ended 1‑1, a result that felt more like a reminder of the pattern than a breakthrough. The "Mr. Playoffs" nickname – earned for consistently getting his teams into postseason contention – does little to soothe a coach whose résumé against Las Águilas reads like a cautionary tale.
Match details: the quarterfinal showdown
That night, the quarterfinal of the Liga MX Apertura 2023 playoffsEstadio León kicked off at 19:06 local time. The broadcast was a three‑way partnership between ClaroSports, Fox Sports MX and TUDN USA – a testament to the fixture’s national draw.
León entered as the underdog. They had scraped a sixth‑place finish in the regular season, while América rode high as the "super leaders" with a record‑breaking points tally. The odds, set by most bookmakers, favored the capital side by more than two goals.
- First‑leg result: 1‑1 draw.
- Larcamón’s playoff record vs. América after the match: 0‑2 (both draws).
- León’s points per match under Larcamón in 2023: 1.56.
- América’s points per match in the same period: 2.31.
In the 57th minute, América’s forward broke the deadlock, only for León to equalise five minutes later through a set‑piece header. The game ended without the coveted win for Larcamón, extending his winless streak.
Reactions from the sidelines
Post‑match, Larcamón was asked about the psychological weight of his record. "It’s a number you can’t ignore," he said, eyes steady. "But football is 90 minutes, not ten. My job is to prepare the players for that moment, not to dwell on past results."
León captain Julián Barrios echoed a shared sentiment: "We respect América, but we also know we can win. The record is a story, not a sentence."
América’s manager, Santiago "Santi" Solari, was less philosophical. "We’re aware they’re motivated to break the curse. That's why we stay focused on our own game."
Fans on social media were divided. Some León supporters posted memes of Larcamón "praying" for a miracle, while América backers celebrated the continued stalemate as a sign of the capital club’s dominance.
Impact on Larcamón’s career trajectory
The quarterfinal loss proved to be a turning point. Merely three weeks later, after a disappointing showing at the 2023 FIFA Club World Cup, León’s board dismissed Larcamón on December 15, 2023. It was a swift end to a tenure that had delivered a CONCACAF Champions League trophy but fell short in the domestic knockout.
His next move was to Brazil’s Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, announced on December 20, 2023. The stint lasted barely four months; a loss in the Campeonato Mineiro final to rivals Atlético Mineiro led to his departure on April 8, 2024.
June 2024 saw Larcamón back in Mexico with a brief spell at Club Necaxa, ending in June 2025 after a termination clause payment. Almost immediately, on June 16, 2025, he accepted the helm at Cruz Azul, another heavyweight from Mexico City.
Through all these hops, his cumulative record stands at 321 matches: 135 wins, 93 losses and an average of 1.55 points per game. Notable is his adaptability – shifting from a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation at León to variations at Cruzeiro and Necaxa, reflecting a tactical flexibility that may finally unlock that elusive victory over América.
Broader implications for Liga MX
The Larcamón‑América saga underscores a larger narrative in Liga MX: the difficulty of breaking the dominance of the capital’s traditional powerhouses. For clubs outside Mexico City, a pattern emerges where progress in the regular season often stalls in the liguilla against the big three – América, Chivas and Cruz Azul.
Analysts like football historian María Fernández point out that "the psychological barrier is real. When a coach has a winless streak against a particular opponent, it seeps into the dressing room, even subconsciously."
For León supporters, the 2023 quarterfinal is a reminder that a single draw does not rewrite history, but it also fuels hope that future managers – perhaps the newly hired Cruz Azul boss, or a returning Larcamón – could finally turn the tide.
What’s next for the key players?
América will head into the second leg with a slight edge, but the aggregate score remains open. Their striker Andrés "Andi" Ríos is nursing a hamstring strain, raising questions about lineup stability.
León’s midfield engine, Diego Sánchez, is expected to stay fit. If he can control the tempo, the team may yet exploit América’s occasional defensive lapses.
Beyond the pitch, the saga adds a human layer to the business side: sponsors weigh the brand exposure that comes with high‑stakes matches, while broadcasters monitor ratings that often spike when a coach’s personal record becomes a storyline.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Larcamón’s winless record against América affect León’s chances?
Psychologically, a 0‑win streak can weigh on players, but it also serves as motivation. Statistically, León has managed two draws, showing they can stay competitive. The real impact will hinge on tactical adjustments and player form rather than history alone.
What were the key moments in the first‑leg match?
América opened the scoring in the 57th minute, but León equalised five minutes later with a well‑taken header from a corner. Both sides missed late chances, and the game finished 1‑1, preserving the aggregate tie.
Why was Larcamón dismissed shortly after the playoff?
The club’s board cited the early exit from the FIFA Club World Cup and a desire for a fresh direction. While his overall record was solid, the combination of international disappointment and the lingering playoff stigma contributed to the decision.
What does the upcoming second leg mean for both teams?
A draw in the second leg would send the tie to extra time, giving León a chance to overturn the aggregate. América, however, will aim to capitalize on home advantage to avoid a precarious situation.
How might this rivalry influence future coaching hires in Liga MX?
Clubs may prioritize coaches with proven success against the big three, viewing the ability to break such cycles as a competitive edge. Larcamón’s eventual move to Cruz Azul suggests that reputation can rebound if a coach delivers in other high‑profile environments.