Mexican Primera, 2011 Liguilla Semifinals: Pumas UNAM And Monarcas Morelia Advance To Final; Brawl Overshadows Morelia Win

Monarcas Morelia put in a fantastic performance on Sunday night, defeating Cruz Azul 3-0 to advance to the 2011 Clausura Liguilla final by an aggregate score of 3-2, but their performance and place in the final was overshadowed by a huge fight at the end of the game for which, at current count, six red cards were shown.

Rafael Marquez Lugo scored a quick brace in the first half, netting in the 8th and 10th minutes, locking up the tie at 2-2 on aggregate, a score which would have seen Morelia through to the final on the seeding tiebreaker if it held. The first goal was a great header on a corner kick, and the second was a chipped finish as he caught the Cruz Azul defense napping.

Monarcas Morelia came into the second leg of their 2011 Clausura Liguilla semifinal tie with Cruz Azul as big underdogs after losing 2-0 in a poor performance at Estadio Azul on Thursday, but they have come out guns blazing at home in Morelia, and they’re up 2-0 at halftime, pushing the aggregate score to 2-2. If the result holds, Morelia will be going through, as their higher seed gives them the tiebreaker.

Both goals were scored by Rafael Marquez Lugo, who is tearing apart the terrible Cruz Azul defense. The first goal was a stellar header on a corner kick, and the second was a cheeky chipped finish after he left the defense in the dust. Cruz Azul goalkeeper Jesus Corona has been brilliant, making four saves. If it weren’t for his play, Morelia might have four or five goals and a crippling lead.

It’s been a close-fought first half between Pumas UNAM and Chivas de Guadalajara in their 2011 Clausura Liguilla, semifinal second leg match, but Pumas have a 1-0 lead on the night and a 2-1 lead on aggregate thanks to a couple of stunning performances. Chivas have been perhaps the slightly better side, creating a number of scoring opportunities, but Pumas goalkeeper Alejandro Palacios and midfielder Javier Cortes have their side ahead.

The goal came in the 42nd minute off an absolutely stunning free kick from Cortes. From 25 yards out, on the right hand side of the pitch, Cortes hit a curling shot that started outside of the goal, then curled in at the near post. Luis Michel barely moved as he was completely fooled by the movement of the ball.

Chivas travel to Pumas UNAM knowing that only a win at the Olímpico Universitario will see them through to the finals of the 2011 Liguilla. That’s a pretty difficult ask, even with the likes of Erick Torres starting up front - Pumas are likely to start in a very defensive 5-3-2 and Chivas look pretty thin at the back thanks to injuries and suspensions. I’d look for Puma to advance with at least a draw unless Torres can do something truly special today. Don’t rule that out, of course...