MEXICO CITY, Feb 6 (Reuters) – America and Monterrey beat Puebla and Pumas UNAM, respectively, on Saturday to top the Guard1anes Clausura tournament in Mexican soccer with 10 points each.
In another match corresponding to the fifth day of the tournament, Atlas and Santos Laguna drew 1-1 with goals from Jonathan Herrera and Omar Campos, respectively.
The “Eagles” of America beat Puebla 1-0 thanks to a goal from Colombian Roger Martínez, who scored in the 66th minute when he defined with a shot inside the area before the goalkeeper left after receiving a pass from Sebastián Córdova.
“I am very happy with the attitude of the squad in general and of each of the players, how (Pedro) Aquino entered, how Roger entered, who again scores, is defining, he ran, pressed, worked the game tactically,” said the technical director of América, Argentine Santiago Solari.
“That sets the tone for putting the coach in difficulty and making the next lineup really difficult for him, that speaks of great health and I’m very happy with the attitude of all of them,” he added.
Meanwhile, Monterrey defeated Puebla 1-0 thanks to a goal from Ivorian Ake Loba, who finished off in the small area a cross sent by Argentine Maximiliano Meza in the 31st minute.
The day will continue on Sunday when Toluca receives Mazatlán, and a day later the champion León will face Guadalajara.
The match between Bravos de Ciudad Juárez and Tigres UANL will be played on April 14 due to the participation of Tigres in the Club World Cup held in Qatar.
On Friday, Cruz Azul registered their third consecutive win after winning 2-0 as a visitor to Necaxa.
At the start of the day, Atlético de San Luis rescued a last-minute draw against Tijuana 2-2 on Thursday, while Querétaro beat Pachuca 3-1.
(Report by Carlos Calvo Pacheco)