Mexico

Cruz Azul Keep Chivas From Reaching Liguilla

Emanuel Villa was too much for Chivas as Cruz Azul took a 1-0 victory from Estadio Jalisco to keep el Rebaño from the Liguilla.

Nov 14, 2009 10:16:21 PM

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Emanuel Villa - Cruz Azul (Mexsport)

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Chivas were fighting to get into the Liguilla after missing out during the two previously consecutive seasons. Cruz Azul were already in the Liguilla, but were fighting for a higher spot in the table. In the end external circumstances played out in advantage for Chivas but leading scorer Emanuel Villa got a goal in extra time. With the last grasp goal Cruz Azul took over the second spot of the table and left Chivas out of the Liguilla.

Cruz Azul attacked first, getting to the Chivas goal and sending in a weak shot by César Villaluz that was easily saved by Luis Michel.

Chivas followed with several attempts, but were unable to provide much danger of adding a goal.

Cruz Azul came close in the 19th minute. A free kick by Jaime Lozano was sent in with the ball grazing past the post.

Chivas’ Reynoso had a deflected shot in the 22nd minute, after open play following a free kick, but the ball easily traveled into Corona’s hands in goal.

The high scorer of the tournament couldn’t get thje ball past Michel in the 35th minute. Emanuel Villa arrived to the Chivas box and shook off Jonny Magallon. Villa’s shot was then blocked by Luis Michel with the tip of his shoulder.

Omar Bravo sent the ball over the cross bar on a great chance for Chivas un the 35th minute. ‘Venado’ Medina sent in a ball to the box that found Bravo, but ended up over goal.

In the 45th minute Chivas came close to Cruz Azul’s goal but Jesus Corona was able to bat the ball away on time.

Back for the second half, Bravo was able to leave defenders behind to come up against Corona. The Chivas player had space, but ended up hitting the ball right into Corona’s hands.

Cruz Azul too had an opportunity early on. In the 48th minute Cruz Azul captain Gerardo Torrado had a close shot, beating Luis Michel but Jonny Magallon was able to help clear

the ball.

In the 58th minute Rogelio Chavez took a shot towards the Chivas goal, but Michel dove to his right and was able to get to the ball in time to keep the score at 0-0.

Chivas had an opportunity for the elusive goal in the 74th minute. Medina sent in a cross from the left and Omar Arellano headed the ball towards the top corner of the goal, but Jesus Corona was able to get a hand on the ball to prevent a close shot from going in.

Soon in the 75th minute ‘Chicharo’ Hernandez had a close opportunity as well. Sergio Amaury Ponce sent in a ball from the right to Hernandez in front of goal, but the Chivas forward was stopped from fixing his shot.

Chivas were reduced to ten men with ten minutes remaining. Edgar ‘Tepa’ Solis was given a straight yellow card for a studs up tackle on Rogelio Chavez.

Villa confirmed his goal scoring ability against Chivas in extra time. Emanuel Villa shook loose from Mejia and went towards the bouncing ball. Luis Michel had moved from his positioning and Villa took advantage to move around the goalkeeper and slot the ball inside to kill Chivas’ dreams of a Liguilla and confirm his stance of the highest goalscorer in the tournament.

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican Primera Division, visit Goal.com's Mexico page.

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