Torneo Clausura Week 2 round-up

This post is brought to you by

Queretaro made it two wins from two with a deserved 1-0 win over Pumas. Rodolfo Vilchis’ stunning volley with 5 minutes remaining was worthy of winning any game and perhaps gives the impression the game was closer than it was. In truth, Los Gallos Blancos were very good value for the win and will be pleased with the start that they have made to the championship. For Pumas, after the bitter disappointment of their opening weekend draw this is not the tonic they were looking for. It doesn’t look as though things are going to improve any time soon for José Luis Trejo’s team.

Antonio ‘El Turco’ Mohamed returned to Tijuana to face the side he took to all the way to Apertura glory back in 2012 as Coach of Liga MX heavyweights, Club America and despite a warm welcome from the fans of Los Xolos it was an unhappy return. A lethargic performance from Las Aguilas resulted in a 1-0 defeat and a famous victory for Tijuana, the first at home against Club America. A late goal from Cristian Pellerano was just reward for César Farías’ side.

Cruz Azul’s season got up and running on Saturday with a dramatic late win over Santos. Javier Orozco was on hand to prod in from close range after a header midway through the first half to put the visitors in front. However, a red card to defender, Jose Abella Fanjul for an alleged elbow while challenging for a header turned the tide in favour of La Maquina. Despite pressing hard in the second half it took until the 79th minute for Jeronimo Amione to head Cruz Azul level. With the game looking to head for a draw, Argentine striker Mariano Pavone headed home the winner.

Veracruz maintained their unbeaten start to the Torneo Clausura and heaped further misery on an even more doomed looking, Atlante. A looping header from Liber Quiñones gave the Los Tiburones Rojos the lead after just 3 minutes but 10 minutes before the break Narciso Mino drew Atlante level. With time running out Luiz Sanchez earned Veracruz all 3 points with an angled drive across goal.

Tigres hosted Pachuca in a game of few chances between two sides still waiting for their first goals of the season probably tells you all you need to know about this one.

With the celebrations from last month’s championship win just over, Leon returned to winning ways with a 3-1 win over Atlas and once again it was the impressive Carlos ‘Gullit’ Peña at the centre of things with two goals. A wonderful Gullit Peña brace set Leon on their way to victory and the midfielder looks set for a huge 2014. The first was a wonderful curling strike from outside the box and the second before half time an effective finish after beating a loose offside trap and rounding the keeper. Luis Montes whipped in a free kick from the edge of the box to complete an emphatic win and despite Atlas pulling a goal back through Brazilian, Maikon Leite, Leon looked on their way to another title challenge. Atlas remain in their lowly position aided only by the ineptitude of fellow strugglers, Atlante.

Monterrey’s early lead away to Puebla was cancelled out as both sides seek an opening win of the season. Marlon De Jesús opened the scoring after just 3 minutes but a smart flicked header from Matías Alustiza looped over Jonathan Orozco to level the game.

Toluca came from behind twice to draw with Morelia. Carlos Morales gave Morelia an early lead when his fierce left footed strike caught Alfredo Talavera out at his near post but the lead didn’t last long. Edgar Benítez latched onto a ball over the top to volley Toluca level a minute later but a superb strike by Christian Valdez reestablished the lead for Morelia before the break. However, a Pablo Velázquez penalty 10 minutes after the break ensured the draw.

It wasn’t the prettiest but Chivas managed to earn a morale boosting first home win of the season thanks to Aldo De Nigris’ second half goal inside a nervy Estadio Omnilife. A tepid first half performance was greeted by jeers but an improved display after the break was worthy of the win even though the goal itself was a scrappy affair. Alfredo Frausto had kept out an initial header but De Negris was on hand to poke in the rebound and give Los Rojiblancos a valuable win.