Paul Aguilar (pictured) has been key to the success of Club America and Mexico. (Photo: Mexsport)

You could say that Club America’s Paul Aguilar is on a serious CONCACAF roll.  He has lifted the trophy after the last three confederation competitions in which he has played: the 2014/15 Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League with the Aguilas, as well the 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2015 CONCACAF Cup with Mexico.

On the eve of the 2015/16 SCCL final against Tigres, the 30-year-old defender – a three-time CONCACAF club champion with Pachuca – sat down with CONCACAF.com.

What would it mean for Club America to retain its Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League title?
The truth is that it means a lot.  We are the reigning champion and to defend the title and return to Japan (for the FIFA Club World Cup) is an objective that we established at the start of the tournament.  We were left with a thorn in our side after what happened in the last (FCWC) tournament, so it is a very important challenge for us. 

Club America is unbeaten in 11 consecutive Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League games.  How has it achieved such consistency over that stretch?

More than anything is a lot of competition and, above all, a lot of discipline because they are long, hard trips.  The truth is that it is something about hunger, about wanting to rise above, of wanting to stay on top, representing Club America first and, especially, Mexico.

What are your impressions of Tigres heading into the final?
It is difficult team like all of them, with good players on all their lines.  Beyond the opponent, it’s thought that if Club America does what it has to do on the field of play, it is going to be closer to winning than losing.

What are Club America’s strengths?
What we have shown until now is being a good team, a good squad that performs in all situations like in defense and attack.  The attitude that we have demonstrated during matches, running when the ball is lost, helping teammates.  They are important points on which to move forward. 

You have been a part of four CONCACAF club champions.  What motivates you as a player each day?
Excelling individually and collectively are always my goals.  It is important to have that ambition, not lose it and always try to reach the goals that I establish. 

You have won the last three CONCACAF tournaments in which you have participated – 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League, 2015 CONCACAF Gold Cup and 2015 CONCACAF Cup.  What does success in CONCACAF mean to you?
First, it is to represent my team.  That’s important because it gives you the chance to get the national team and represent America in a World Cup, represent Mexico and be able to go to the national team and represent in the best way.  They are points of pride for me that make it clear that we are on the right road.  We have worked well to reach those achievements, to accomplish the goals that we put forth.  There is nothing left but to keep working day to day to continue meeting goals.

You scored the game-winning goal for Mexico in the CONCACAF Cup against the United States with a stunning strike.  When you kicked the ball, did you know it was going in and what were you feeling when it hit the back of the net?
When the ball went up high, the only thing that I thought was to center it, but I saw that there was no one, so I tried to hit it at the goal.  I did not think that it was going to be a goal, but once it was inside the net you don’t know how to celebrate.  It is a huge emotion.  It’s impressive.  Singing the national anthem before the match and to be able to get that win above all against our hardest opponent, it is a big moment.  The truth is that it motivates me to not relax and continue working. 

You have played in three FIFA Club Word Cups.  How important would it be for you to return to that competition?
It is hugely important to leave a footprint.  Not only to participate, but to try to have a good World Cup.  Reaching a final would be very important and we are going in search of it for the first time.

You have achieved a lot in football.  What are your future objectives in the sport?
First, to be a champion in this Champions League tournament.  Later on, to play in the Liga MX final…to go out a champion…and, later, have a good Copa America if God chooses that I get to be there.  Those are the short-term goals.  Afterward, the long term is very important, winning as many titles and reach as many finals as one can.