Cruz Azul hold on for 2-1 win over Pumas UNAM, seal place in Liguilla

Luis Quintana scored late for Pumas UNAM, but 10-man Cruz Azul were able to hold on for a 2-1 win at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario.

Cruz Azul took the lead after 16 minutes as Adrian Aldrete produced a brilliant cross for Edgar Mendez to head home the breakthrough.

La Máquina eventually doubled their lead in the 80th minute when Jose Madueña skillfully dragged a ball down at the edge of the box before putting a through ball for Andres Renteria, who scored past Alfredo Saldivar for the 2-0.

Moments later, Luis Quintana put a headed effort into the back of the net following a corner to set up a dramatic finale.

In the 92nd minute, a red card to Adrian Aldrete further fueled Pumas’s ambitions for a late equalizer.

But after a failed last-minute corner, Cruz Azul held on to earn all three points and seal their place in the 2018 Liga MX Apertura Liguilla.