Club America had a night forget as Pumas UNAM secured a 3-0 win in the first leg of their Liga MX semifinal tie at the Estadio Azteca.
Las Aguilas failed to take advantage of their early dominance, and it took red cards to Pablo Aguilar and Miguel Samudio for the Universitarios to run away with a resounding win against their crosstown rivals.
In the backlash of America's first red card, Ismael Sosa scored the breakthrough to give Pumas the lead.
Minutes later and with Club America down to nine men, Gerardo Alcoba stabbed home from close range to double the advantage for the visitors.
In the 78th minute, Pumas hit the final blow when Eduardo Herrera headed into the far corner to leave America with all to do on Sunday. Las Aguilas will have to appeal to an epic afternoon at the Estadio Universitario to have any chance of progressing to the Liga MX Final.
Meanwhile, in the other semifinal, Toluca held Tigres to a scoreless draw.
Mexico national team goalkeeper Alfredo Talavera played hero as he pulled off a vital save to deny Juninho from the penalty spot and help Toluca earn a share of the spoils heading into the second leg.
Another scoreless draw at the Estadio Nemesio Diez would be enough to secure a berth in the Liga MX final for Toluca.