Pachuca and Monterrey have played to a 1-1 draw at Estadio Hidalgo, a result that will benefit Monterrey going into the return leg on Sunday. Pachuca pulled a goal back after Monterrey scored the opener, but a home win would have given them a much better chance to advance. Humberto Suazo made a surprise cameo appearance, but failed to help his team’s cause.
Pachuca vs. Monterrey: 1-1 Full Time, Suazo Makes Surprise Cameo
The scoring was opened in the 55th minute by Monterrey defender Jose Basanta on a corner kick. Neri Cardozo’s corner was flicked back from the near post towards Basanta who re-directed the ball into the net with a second header. At that point, down a goal at home, it seemed to be lights out for Pachuca.
Some hope was restored 12 minutes later, though, as substitute Franco Arizala scored a great individual goal, beating his defender and then hitting a fantastic finish past the keeper. Arizala signed a large contract in the offseason but has failed to live up to expectations to this point. Pachuca fans will have been left wondering where that kind of play was all season.
Arizala’s goal has given Pachuca a chance going into Sunday’s return leg, but a win in Monterrey will be a very tough task.
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