Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 6y

Santos Laguna eliminate Club America, book spot in Liga MX final

Santos Laguna knocked out Club America in the semifinal of the 2018 Clausura on Sunday and will face Toluca in the Liga MX final.

Santos drew 2-2 in Estadio Azteca, but overcame America 6-3 on aggregate, having won 4-1 in last Thursday's first leg.

The final is likely to be played at Santos Laguna's Estadio Corona on Thursday, with the return leg Sunday in Toluca's Estadio Nemesio Diez on Thursday. Liga MX will confirm the times on Monday.

America coach Miguel Herrera sent out an attack-heavy starting XI and home side Las Aguilas started brightly against Santos, taking the lead in the 11th minute through a Cecilio Dominguez penalty.

A header from Bruno Valdez in the 23rd moved America to within one goal of going through, but Jonathan Rodriguez pulled one back for Santos four minutes before half-time.

Santos -- missing star striker Djaniny Tavares -- improved in the second half and while both teams had chances, it was fairly comfortable for Los Guerreros in the end. Substitute Jesus Isijara eased any nerves with the equalizing goal in the 85th minute.

Earlier on Sunday, Colombian forward Fernando Uribe scored three goals to help Toluca secure a 4-1 victory over nine-man Club Tijuana to advance 5-3 on aggregate.

If Toluca wins the title it would take them within one of Club America and Chivas as Mexico's most successful side. Toluca currently has 10 Liga MX titles, while Santos Laguna are looking for their sixth championship.

^ Back to Top ^