The Colombian goalkeeper Camilo Vargas had a standout performance on Thursday and was one of the key players in Atlas' 1-2 victory over Guadalajara in the quarterfinals of the Mexican Clausura tournament. Mexican player Jeremy Márquez scored the goals for the champion Atlas, coached by Argentine Diego Cocca, while Cristian Calderón scored for Guadalajara.
Although they didn't show overwhelming dominance, Atlas took a 0-2 advantage in the first half. Márquez scored in the 28th minute by capitalizing on a rebound from goalkeeper Miguel Jiménez after a shot by Colombian player Julián Quiñones, and extended the lead with a right-footed strike in the 45th minute. In their home stadium, Jalisco, Guadalajara Chivas went for goals and succeeded in the 54th minute with a left-footed shot by Calderón. Despite the strong defense by Rojineros, Guadalajara had the opportunity to equalize on a couple of occasions. In the 65th minute, Camilo Vargas denied a goal from Calderón, and in the 92nd minute, Roberto Alvarado missed a shot by centimeters that could have equalized the score.
The victory has put Atlas in a favorable position because they will play on Sunday in their own stadium, where Guadalajara Chivas will need to win by two or more goals to tie the series. If they only win by one goal, they will tie the series but be eliminated due to their lower position in the regular phase table.
On Thursday, Tigres UANL took advantage of a lack of ideas and poor aim from Cruz Azul, defeating them 0-1 with a goal from Jesús Dueñas. This gives Tigres a favorable position in the series, which will be decided on Saturday at Monterrey, the home of the felinos.
In the first leg matches of the quarterfinals, on Wednesday San Luis drew 2-2 with Pachuca and América drew 1-1 with Puebla, with Uruguayan players playing a prominent role in both cases. In San Luis Potosí, Uruguayan player Juan Manuel Sanabria scored the equalizing goal for San Luis against Pachuca. Argentine Nicolás Ibáñez scored both goals for Tuzos, coached by Uruguayan Guillermo Almada, while Argentine player Germán Berterame and midfielder Sanabria scored for San Luis. Then Uruguayan defender Sebastián Cáceres scored the goal that allowed América to draw 1-1 with Puebla, who had taken the lead through Venezuelan player Fernando Aristeguieta.
The quarterfinals will continue this weekend. On Saturday, Pachuca will host San Luis and América will play against Puebla. On Sunday, Tigres will play at their own stadium against Cruz Azul, and Atlas will face Guadalajara Chivas in their own stadium.
EFE