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Mexican Primera Round-Up: Atlante Earn Playoff Ticket
In a pending match, Atlante finally wrapped-up their Liguilla qualification and recovered from five winless week's with an imposing 3-1 home victory against Tecos. This defeat complicates the panorama for Tecos in Group 2 and everything will be decided in the last week of action.
Nov 13, 2008 2:36:47 AM
Wednesday, 12 November, 2008
Jornada 14
Atlante 3 - 1 Tecos
The Potros qualified to the playoff phase of the Torneo Apertura 2008, with a commanding 3-1 home victory against Tecos in a pending match from the Jornada 14.
Atlante had tried the past week's to take the big step towards the Liguilla, but two straight defeats delayed their qualification and they began to face serious pressure from group rivals Santos and Pachuca.
On the other hand, the Tecolotes have complicated their Liguilla possibilities in the "Group of Death." Miguel Herrera's side have dwindled after a promising run that took them to the top of Group 2. Tecos have not been able to win in the past three matches and with this new fall, group rivals Chivas and América continue with valid playoff options.
The first goal for Atlante came in the 21st minute, after a header by forward Daniel Arreola was deflected by Tecos midfielder Rafael Medina and went into the back of the net for the 1-0 Atlante lead.
In the 24th minute, Argentine forward Gabriel Pereyra headed in a cross by midfielder Alan Zamora, to double the Potros lead 2-0.
Then in the 67th minute, Christian 'Hobbit' Bermúdez topped off a positive performance by scoring the final goal for 3-0 in what turned out to be a goleada.
It wasn't until the 76th minute, when forward Mario Ortiz rescued the honor for Tecos, with an impressive right footed shot that left Atlante goalkeeper Federico Vilar with no chance for the definitive 3-1 score.
With the last week of regular season a few days away, this midweek victory has sealed the qualification for Atlante who will end up as Group 1 leaders with 26 points.
The Tecolotes continue in the fourth spot of Group 2 with 22 points, and their qualification not only depends on a home victory against Indios this weekend, but on a combination of results in the Jornada 17.
--César García covers México for Goal.com.
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