Club America cruise to 5-1 win over Saprissa

Cecilio Dominguez and Mateus Uribe each scored a brace as Club America demolished Saprissa 5-1 in the First Leg of their CONCACAF Champions League Round of 16 matchup.

Las Aguilas were in front after only two minutes when Cecilio Dominguez latched on to a fine Oribe Peralta pass to turn in the first goal of the game.

But Miguel Herrera’s men failed to build on their blistering start, with Saprissa able to neutralize Club America’s attack.

The setback stung América into life late in the first half, and Mateus Uribe unleashed superb one-time strike past goalkeeper Aaron Cruz to double the lead.

Ten minutes later, Cecilio Dominguez made it three, snatching the ball from a Saprissa player before scoring his second.

Club America were not done, and after 59 minutes, they made it four when a lovely buildup play finished with Renato Ibarra picking out the bottom corner of the net.

Saprissa would not give up, and with 74 minutes gone, Ariel Rodriguez chested down a long-ball from Michael Barrantes and slotted in his own rebound to make it 4-1.

Rodriguez’s goal, though, only ended up decorating the final scoreline, as moments later Mateus Uribe smashed in his second goal of the night to finish things at 5-1.

With the result, Saprissa will need to score at least five goals in the Second Leg to have any chance of progressing to the Quarterfinals. Both teams will meet again next Wednesday at the Estadio Azteca.