Interliga 2008: Cruz Azul 1 - 0 Pumas

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The young Pumas team bowed out of the 2008 Interliga with a promising performance against Cruz Azul who included two of the Pumas 2004 double-winning team, Jaime Lozano and captain Joaquin Beltrán. The "Pumitas" were unable to create sufficient openings but were steady on the field and definitely looked the part against more illustrious opponents. Cruz Azul therefore advance to the finals where a win would see them qualify for the Copa Libertadores.

Pumas started dynamically, and for the first ten minutes were much the better side, with "El Conejo" Pérez having to make a superb save to deny Caprari's left foot shot. Nevertheless Cruz Azul were in front on 14 minutes as Vigneri latched onto a long ball from Villaluz and beat the offside trap before pushing the ball round Palacios and then into the empty net.

For the remainder of the match matters were fairly even. Cruz Azul hung back and played calmly protecting their lead, while Pumas lacked the spark to break them down save for a couple of half chances. Alejandro also made an excellent save, tipping over a powerful header, while Iñiguez again failed with a one-on-one for Pumas.

"El Tuca", although he clearly would have liked to qualify, must be happy nonetheless with the performance of his young players. Sinhué Daniel Jaramillo, David Cabrera, Luis Rosas, new boy Raul Servín and Argentinian Gastón Caprari all made an impression, and there will certainly be healthy competition for places on the bench during the up-coming Clausura tournament.

Pumas: A.Palacios, Jaramillo, M.Palacios, González, Chiapas, G.Espinoza (Juárez), Cabrera, Servín (Santana), Morales (Barrón), Caprari, Iñiguez

Interliga: Other Matches
Monterrey gained a consolation win over already-qualified San Luis, winning 1-0 despite the sending-off of "El Chícharo" González who received a straight red for a tackle from behind on Mario Pérez. The goal came from Chilean Humberto Suazo.

Toluca finished their campaign with a good 3-1 win over Monarcas. Ever Guzmán put Morelia ahead but Giménez, Sinha and Vicente Sánchez secured victory for Toluca.

Meanwhile the regular games concluded with an exciting match in the Home Depot Center, with América defeating Atlas 3-2, the goals coming from Ismael Rodríguez, Cabañas and Argüello. Marioni replied with two for Atlas.

The results leave San Luis and Cruz Azul qualified from Group B , while América go through as top of Group A. Toluca and Atlas finished level on points, goal difference and goals scored but Atlas went through after the drawing of lots.

The finals on Saturday will therefore be:
Atlas v San Luis
América v Cruz Azul

Next Up
The Pumas players will join up with their senior colleagues for the run up to the opening game in the Jalisco against Chivas on 19th January.