Herediano vs. Cruz Azul: Final score 1-2, La Maquina book quarterfinal spot

Cruz Azul were always favorites to win Group 3 and that was doubly true going into Tuesday, when even a two-goal loss would see them through to the quarterfinals. So when Achille Emana scored just five minutes in, Cruz Azul was well on their way to the quarterfinals, a place they booked later with a 2-1 win at Herediano.

Emana’s fifth minute tally put Cruz Azul in front right away, but he did the easy work with the finish. It was Mariano Pavone who did the heavy lifting, hitting a gorgeous 30-yard through ball that put Emana in alone on goal for the goal.

With Herediano in need of a three-goal win and already down a goal, the match was just about over, but even a desperate Florenses side couldn’t put a scare in Cruz Azil. La Maquina had the bulk of the ball and their far of chances, while the looks at goal were few and far between for the home side.

Herediano almost made a match of it when Anllel Porras drew them level in the 55th minute, but they were still three goals short of what they needed and didn’t do much else to intimate that they might get those tallies. Finally, Jesus Lara scored for Cruz Azul and the Herediano dream was officially dead. The Mexican favorites had done what was expected -- win and wrap up Group 3.

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