Atlante scored two goals in a seven-minute span midway through the first half to defeat Cruz Azul, 2-0, in the opening leg of the all-Mexican CONCACAF Champions League final Wednesday at Estadio Azul. Atlante takes the commanding lead home to Estadio Quintana Roo in Cancun for the return leg next Wednesday with a chance to capture the second CONCACAF club title in club history and first in 26 years.
Rafael Marquez Lugo, who scored the dramatic injury time penalty kick against Santos Laguna in the semifinals to book Atlante's ticket to the final set up both goals, the first by Fernando Navarro in the 17th minute and the second by Christian Bermudz on 24 minutes.
Cruz Azul played without suspended Gerardo Torrado and Cristian Riveros in the third all-Mexican CONCACAF final in four years. Atlante was without suspended players Luis Venegas and Giancarlo Maldonado. Both teams have been dreadful domestically with Atlante in 15th place in the 18-team league, one spot in front of Cruz Azul.
What do you think of the opening leg? Did you watch the match or have you lost interest when the Puerto Rico Islanders bowed out in the semifinals? Does Cruz Azul have a comeback in them or are they sunk? Share your thoughts below.