A Matias Alustiza penalty secured Atlas a hard-fought win over rivals Chivas to edge closer to a spot in the Liga MX Liguilla semifinals.
In addition to gaining an advantage in the scoreline, not conceding an away goal could prove crucial for the Rojinegros ahead of this weekend’s second leg at the Estadio Chivas.
Local pride was evident and the atmosphere was remarkable at the start of the game, with Atlas benefiting the most from the raucous atmosphere. In the 29th minute, a kick from substitute Michael Perez, who came on for the injured Jair Pereira, was judged as a penalty, giving the Rojinegros the chance to take the lead. Matias Alustiza stepped up and made no mistake to fire the hosts into the lead.
#PorSiNoLoViste G⚽️⚽️⚽️L de Matías Alustiza @atlasfc 1-0 @Chivas IDA #4tosDeFinal #Clausura2017 #LIGABancomerMX ⚽️SienteTuLiga⚽️ pic.twitter.com/G3rsUuVml5
— LIGA Bancomer MX (@LIGABancomerMX) May 12, 2017
The penalty wouldn’t be the only controversial call from tonight’s ref as six minutes later an Alan Pulido goal would be called back for an apparent offside.
In the second half, Chivas pushed for a leveler, but try as they may, the goal never came as they just couldn’t get past a strong defensive Atlas side.
Both teams will meet again on Sunday at the Estadio Chivas, with the Rebaño needing to win to have any chance of progressing to the semifinals.