Monarcas Morelia Vs. Jaguares Chiapas, 2011 Apertura: Morelia Clinch Liguilla Berth

Monarcas Morelia are now locked into a Liguilla place after two consecutive wins, while Jaguares Chiapas have to wait and see if they will be making a return trip to Copa Libertadores, thanks to Morelia’s 1-0 home victory on Friday night. Morelia has struggled at home this season, but a questionable sending off for Jaguares and a goal from their poacher Miguel Sabah has them locked into a playoff place.

The first half was a bit dull, with both teams looking concerned with keeping a clean sheet. Things finally livened up a bit in the 52nd minute, when Jaguares defender Miguel Martinez picked up a second yellow card and was sent off for a foul on Joao Rojas. To say Rojas embellished to draw the caution would be an understatement.

Sabah’s goal came in typical Miguel Sabah fashion, on a scramble in the box. The ball fell to Sabah around 12 yards out from goal, and while he was falling down, he hit the ball into the roof of the net to give his side the lead.

Jaguares pushed forward with 10 men in an attempt to find a late equalizer, and forced Morelia defender Joel Huiqui into a professional foul and straight red card in stoppage time, but couldn’t find a goal. They are almost certainly in Liguilla, save for a ridiculous doomsday scenario, but their Copa Libertadores position is now very much in doubt.

For more on Jornada 17 of the 2011 Apertura, the Mexican Primera and Mexican football in general, check out SB Nation’s Mexican futbol blog FMF State Of Mind.