It took about 80 minutes, 70 of which were played a man up, but Monterrey has finally taken advantage with a goal to take a 1-0 lead in the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal against Toluca. The goal came on an Osvaldo Martinez free kick from the top of the “D.”
Toluca Vs. Monterrey, CONCACAF Champions League: Osvaldo Martinez Gives Monterrey 1-0 Lead
Monterrey has been a man up since a 10th minute red card to Toluca’s Luis Arias. While they have been able to control the possession and pace of the match, they had not been able to capitalize until Martinez’s well-placed strike. Despite being a man down, Toluca has managed to create several opportunities, but never any sustained pressure.
With the away-goals rule being in effect for CCL competition, this creates quite a hill for Toluca to climb, even if they were to tie the score. If the score remains the same, Toluca would need to win by two goals to advance to the semifinals. Cruz Azul, which currently leads 2-0 after their away leg at Santos Laguna, seems to be the most likely team to be waiting there.
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