Liga MX final set with Pumas, Cruz Azul meeting in all-Mexico City series
· Yahoo Sports
A free-kick goal from Jordan Carrillo and a late save by Keylor Navas were enough for Pumas to advance to the Liga MX final against fellow Mexico City club Cruz Azul.
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Pumas beat Pachuca 1-0 in the second leg of their semifinal series, putting the aggregate at 1-1 after Pachuca's win last week. But Pumas go through thanks to a better finish in the regular season, a tiebreaker used infrequently in most of the world but with a long history in Mexico.
After a strong start to the game, 24-year-old Pumas attacker Jordán Carrillo put a right-footed free kick off the post and in, giving Pumas the goal that would end up being the winner.
Fans in the Estadio Olimpico Universitario went through several nervous moments in stoppage time, knowing a Pachuca goal would likely put Tuzos through. In the 91st minute, Gael Álvarez had an open shot at the back post that was saved by veteran goalkeeper Navas. But the Costa Rican looked to be beaten just two minutes later with Pachuca forward Salomon Rondon bringing a ball over the top down for a shot at the open net. Rondon hit his attempt over the bar, however, and Pumas was able to see out the match.
Pumas finished in first place in the regular season and now could win their eighth title in history and first since the 2011 Clausura.
Did Cruz Azul or Chivas advance in the Liga MX semifinal?
They now move on to meet Cruz Azul, who were able to secure a 2-1 win in Guadalajara on Saturday, May 16 to win their series with Chivas by a 4-3 aggregate scoreline.
The teams traded early goals, but an Agustín Palavecino strike in the 66th minute made the difference. La Maquina have a title drought of their own, having won in the 2021 Clausura but seeing celebrations of its ninth title muted by the ongoing affects of the Covid pandemic.
The first leg of the final, which will be hosted by Cruz Azul at an alternate venue with the Estadio Azteca already in FIFA's possession ahead of the World Cup, is scheduled for May 21, with the second leg taking place May 24 at Pumas' Estadio Olimpico Universitario.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Pumas edges Pachuca, Cruz Azul beats Chivas to set up Liga MX final