Three play-off places up for grabs in Mexico
Reuters - Sunday 07 November 2010, 21:28
MEXICO CITY, Nov 7 (Reuters) - Three places in the Mexican
Apertura title play-offs will be up for grabs in a week's time
after America, Santos Laguna and San Luis qualified with a match
to spare this weekend.
Holders Toluca, however, are in danger of failing to make
the cut.
The three qualifiers joined Monterrey and Cruz Azul, group
winners who had already booked their places, in the eight-team
play-offs.
Chiapas, who beat Atlas 2-1 with Colombia's Jackson Martinez
scoring the winner, are on the verge of joining them provided
they do not lose next weekend. They are second in Group Three,
two points ahead of Pumas UNAM.
The top two in each group plus the next two best-placed
teams qualify.
Through so far are Monterrey and Santos from Group One,
America and San Luis from Group Two and runaway Group Three
leaders Cruz Azul who have the most points overall.
America, one of Mexico's most popular and successful teams,
beat Atlante 1-0 away with a goal by former Mexico forward
Matias Vuoso to climb into first place in Group Two, one point
ahead of San Luis.
They could have scored a second goal but former Mexico
midfielder Pavel Pardo missed a late penalty.
America's great rivals Guadalajara, runners-up in the South
American Libertadores Cup in July, must win their last match
next weekend and hope other results go their way to finish third
in Group One and advance as one of the next two best-placed
teams.
Guadalajara were held 0-0 at home by Cruz Azul this weekend.
Toluca, who won the Clausura championship in the second half
of last season, are fourth in Group Two and a win next weekend
would put them on 24 points which might be enough to qualify.
CONCACAF Champions League holders Pachuca, who will take
part in the Club World Cup in Abu Dhabi next month, beat
Queretaro 2-0 with two goals from Argentine-born Croatian Dario
Cvitanich.
They are third in Group Two with 22 points.