Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 6y

Landon Donovan steps up match-fitness in Copa MX win

United States legend Landon Donovan continued his comeback on Tuesday with a substitute appearance for Club Leon in its 4-1 Copa MX victory over Cafetaleros de Tapachula.

It was Donovan's second appearance for Leon since the shock announcement in January that he would be coming out of retirement for the second time.

The 35-year-old came on in the 60th minute with the score at 2-0 and almost scored seconds later, when he hit a dipping first-time shot just wide of the post from 25 yards.

Donovan played in a central attacking midfield role and provoked a yellow card when he was tripped in the 90th minute by Cristian Haro.

The win was fairly comfortable for Leon against the second division side and the three points lifted La Fiera into first place in Group 1 of the Copa MX on seven points, which secured the club a place in the Round of 16 stage of the tournament.

Donovan made his Leon debut on Feb. 10 against Puebla in Liga MX action, but didn't feature in the following games against Santos Laguna or Queretaro, sparking some concern about his fitness.

The all-time MLS leading goalscorer will be hoping for more time on Saturday when Leon travels to Pachuca in a battle between two teams just outside the Liga MX playoff places at present.

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