Dominant Diablos Caress Title

After the first 90 minutes, Toluca delivered an imposing performance that puts them in the drivers seat for their ninth title with a 2-0 away victory against Cruz Azul.

Dec 11, 2008 11:56:29 PM

More On :  Cruz Azul, Toluca, Darabantex, Sergio Amaury Ponce, Cruz Azul vs Toluca
Dueñas - Cristante - Toluca (Mexsport)
By César García

First Leg
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Cruz Azul 0 - 2 Toluca

The first half of the championship has been written. 

With an intelligent tactical display, solid defense, and effective offense, the Diablos Rojos of Toluca defeated the La Máquina of Cruz Azul 2-0 in the first leg of the final of the Torneo Apertura 2008.
Don't Miss

Toluca's Paraguayan defender and captain, Paulo Da Silva, opened the score with a header in the 14th minute, from a brilliant cross by Antonio Naelson 'Sinha.'  

Sergio Amaury Ponce doubled the lead in the 21st minute with a perfectly executed free-kick that defied the Cementero wall and beat an outstretched goalkeeper Yosgart Gutiérrez.

The Choriceros exercised complete dominance of the match with a solid midfield display due to the excellent ball recovery of Argentine Martín Romagnoli and Israel López. 

Playmaker 'Sinha' once again proved instrumental in controlling the tempo of the match, which did not yield any opportunities for Cruz Azul to get into the game.

Record-breaking goalkeeper Hernán Cristante had little to do and was a mere spectator for the majority of the match.

Cruz Azul's best moment came in the stoppage time, when Toluca defender Edgar Dueñas denied an effort by Nicolás Vigneri on the goal line. 


In the last seconds of the match, Jaime Lozano one-touched a volley that caressed the top left corner of the goal defended by Cristante.

With the victory, Toluca continue their great form of ten unbeaten matches with only one goal received, and have their ninth title half-way in the bag.

However, 90 minutes are left to be played and Cruz Azul is obligated to repeat their positive away performances during the Liguilla if they want to have any chance of taking the title from "La Bombonera," where Toluca is king.

The decisive encounter for the championship of the Torneo Apertura 2008 will be played next Sunday, at Toluca's Estadio Nemesio Díez.

Scoring
TOL: Paulo Da Silva (14'), Sergio Amaury Ponce (21')

-- César García covers México for Goal.com.

Follow Goal.com on Twitter

Follow Goal.com on Facebook
Thank you for your comment!
Please enter your name
Please enter your location
Please share your comment!
Comments
 
play pause open close
Inside Goal.Com
  1. RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai RIGG: Anelka struggling against the current in Shanghai

    Nicolas Anelka went against the grain when he moved to Shanghai. Now he's finding that coaching and gelling tactically is like swimming against the tide.

  2. ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams ROGERS: Bradley should command a bidding war among Serie A teams

    Chievo is currently shopping the American midfielder and several Italian clubs have shown interest.

  3. ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite ISOLA: Neymar-led Brazil should be considered the 2014 WC favorite

    Neymar was brilliant as Brazil easily handled the United States with early World Cup preparations officially underway.

  4. LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth LATHAM: Mexico using summer friendlies to build depth

    With World Cup qualifying to begin in June, Mexico is using three U.S.-hosted friendlies to build squad depth.

  5. McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date McCARTHY: Harrisburg springs its wildest Open Cup upset to date

    The City Islanders fought back from three goals down with nine minutes to play and won the game on penalty kicks in a stunning game on a wild night for the U.S. Open Cup.