Clausura Liguilla 2012: Monterrey, Santos Both Have The Advantage

Santos Laguna have a massive advantage heading home to Torreon in the Liguilla. In a rare occurrence, UANL Tigres conceded a goal at home and now need to win at Estadio Corona in the second leg to beat Santos. As the higher seed, Santos has the tiebreaker in the tie, and only needs a draw to advance after they grabbed a 1-1 draw on Thursday night in Monterrey.

The first half ended scoreless, but the home side were well on top, creating a number of chances and hitting the crossbar on one occasion. The second half started just like the first ended, with Tigres creating work for Santos keeper Oswaldo Sanchez, but the visiting side struck first. In the 62nd minute, at the end of a great team move, Carlos Darwin Quintero backed down his defender in the box and laid off a ball for Jorge Estrada. He stepped into the ball and drilled a low shot past Enrique Palos, giving his team a surprise lead.

Monterrey are heading home to the Estadio Tecnologico as heavy favorites to advance in Liguilla. Not only did they snatch a draw away to Club America on Wednesday night, but they also watched Paul Aguilar get sent off in the dying minutes of the match. America is not deep at fullback, and will seriously miss Aguilar in the second leg. As the higher seed, Monterrey have the tiebreaker and will feel like they’re ahead after pulling off a 0-0 draw at the Azteca.

Victor Manuel Vucetich selected his normal 4-4-2 team with Aldo de Nigris, Humberto Suazo and two attacking wingers, but they played a slightly more defensive game than they’re likely to play at home. America created plenty of chances, but Monterrey goalkeeper Jonathan Orozco was spectacular on the night, making eight saves.