Roger Martinez brace powers Club América past Cruz Azul

Roger Martinez’s two goals helped Club América earn a 3-1 win over rivals Cruz Azul in their first leg of the 2019 Liga MX Clausura Quarterfinals. The Colombian forward scored in each half to put Las Águilas in command of the tie ahead of their second leg clash a the Estadio Azteca.

The Cruz Azul fans were still complaining from what appeared to be a missed penalty call from the officials when moments later a handball was signaled inside the box for a penalty. Milton Caraglio made no mistake from the spot and scored to give La Máquina an early lead.

But in the 21st minute, an own goal from Igor Lichnovsky changed the mood of the match as Club América took its first steps for what was going to end up being an impressive comeback.

First Roger Martinez turned in a shot beautifully past Jose de Jesus Corona from outside the box to put the score at 2-1 at the stroke of halftime.

In the second half, América were in complete control, and they were not done. Las Águilas doubled their lead 15 minutes from time with another clinical finish from Roger Martinez.

Both teams are set to meet again on Sunday, with Cruz Azul needing to win by at least two goals to have any chance of advancing to the Semifinals. In case of another defeat, it would be the sixth time Cruz Azul are eliminated from a Liguilla by América in seven previous ties.