Despite blowing a lead for the second time in as many weeks, Pumas clawed its way past Club América and into the Liga MX semifinals.
The teams played an instant classic at the CU on the campus of the UNAM in Mexico City, with Pumas jumping out to a 3-0 lead in the first 23 minutes to take a commanding 6-3 lead on the aggregate scoreline of the teams’ two-legged quarterfinal series.
But América was nearly level by halftime, scoring twice and putting the ball in the back of the net a third time before the break only to see that goal ruled out for offside.
The third goal did arrive for Las Aguilas, with Alejandro Zendejas soaring at the back post and heading a Brian Rodriguez cross past Pumas goalkeeper Keylor Navas.
With better regular-season finish the first tiebreaker, América still needed to find another goal, and it looked like it might arrive in the 86th minute when América won a controversial penalty. But forward Henry Martin put his shot off the post, and Pumas were able to see out the 3-3 draw that puts it into the next round.
There, manager Efrain Juarez’s side will face Pachuca.
Pachuca eliminated Toluca with a 2-0 victory in the second leg to earn a 3-0 aggregate triumph. Toluca was the reigning champion, having won each of the last two short tournaments.
Who will Chivas play in the Liga MX playoffs?
It already has been a strange Liguilla because of an agreement between Liga MX club owners and the Mexico national team to play the league’s playoffs without Mexico internationals. Those players reported to the national team May 6, though the agreement appeared to be in risk when Toluca players trained in preparation for a Concacaf Champions Cup semifinal and Chivas responded by recalling its players.
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Mexico – 18th appearance
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England – 17th appearance
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Portugal – ninth appearance
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France – 17th appearance
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Iran – seventh appearance
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Switzerland – 13th appearance
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Croatia – seventh appearance
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Australia – seventh appearance
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Morocco – seventh appearance
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Austria – eighth appearance
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Ecuador – fifth appearance
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Senegal – fourth appearance
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South Korea – 12th appearance
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Japan – eighth appearance
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Colombia – seventh appearance
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Netherlands – 12th appearance
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Germany – 21st appearance
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Saudi Arabia – seventh appearance
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Tunisia – seventh appearance
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South Africa – fourth appearance
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Ivory Coast – fourth appearance
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Scotland – ninth appearance
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Algeria – fifth appearance
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Paraguay – ninth appearance
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Egypt – fourth appearance
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Cape Verde – first appearance
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Haiti – second appearance
The internationals returned, but Chivas still were able to advance past Tigres in the second leg of the quarterfinal thanks to a pair of goals from 18-year-old Santiago Sandoval, who was pressed into emergency action with starting forward Armando “Hormiga” Gonzalez among the national team absences.
Chivas now will face fellow grande – the label given to the four teams that historically are the most successful and best supported – Cruz Azul.
Working with an interim manage after firing its coach, La Maquina won both legs of its tie with Atlas.
When are the next Liga MX playoff matches?
The first legs of the semifinals will be played May 13 and May 14, with the second legs taking place May 16 and May 17.
The league will confirm dates, kickoff times and sites on May 11.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pumas, Chivas, Cruz Azul and Pachuca stay alive in Liga MX title race
