The tie was going almost exactly as Cruz Azul had hoped. They got the away goal and only lost by one goal at Monterrey then returned home for the second leg and went ahead 1-0. All they had to do was finish off the match with that scoreline and they would be through to the CONCACAF Champions League final. In the 79th minute, everything fell apart though as a red card and penalty put Monterrey in the driver’s seat.
Cruz Azul Vs. Monterrey, CONCACAF Champions League: Monterrey Goes Ahead On Penalty
Walter Ponce was judged to have pushed a man in the box, although replays showed it was hardly the firmest of shoves. Unfortunately for Ponce, that pushed earned him his second yellow card of the match and a sending off. Even more unfortunate for Cruz Azul is that it was a penalty and when Humberto Suazo converted it, the aggregate of the tie went 3-2 in favor of Monterrey.
Down a man and needing a goal just to force extra time, Cruz Azul are nearly done. Meanwhile, it looks as if Monterrey has done the job they needed to do in going away and getting a draw. If they hold on, the final is theirs.
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