Goals: Cruz Azul—Santos 68'
Recap: Ninety minutes of competitive football saw Cruz Azul defeat Chivas Guadalajara 1-0 on Sunday.
A lackluster first half forced both clubs to enter the break scoreless, with the pace increasing for the final 45. Poor marking inside the area allowed Fabio Santos to open the affair. An unmarked header from just outside the six-yard box proved to be the deciding factor. The hosts squandered two chances, sealing the 1-0 victory for Cruz Azul.
Chivas Guadalajara are now winless through two matches and continue to face the threat of relegation. The victory gives Cruz Azul their first points of the 2015 Apertura.
Key Moment: Chivas Guadalajara had one final opportunity to salvage a point at home. Unfortunately for the club, Omar Bravo's header inside the area skied above the bar.
Man of the Match: Marc Crosas joined Cruz Azul from Leones Negros in the offseason and proved to be the engine Cruz Azul's midfield needed on Sunday.
Lesson Learned: Relegation is a serious concern for Chivas Guadalajara. Monarcas Morelia have vastly improved their roster and Dorados scorching start to the 2015 Apertura (four points through two games) leaves Chivas in a precarious position. A battle with Puebla awaits one of Mexico's giants, with relegation being a plausible outcome.
Up Next: Both clubs return to league action on Aug. 8, with Chivas Guadalajara traveling to Monterrey to face Tigres UANL and Cruz Azul hosting Leon.
Note: Credit all statistics to officially licensed data from Opta Sports (via WhoScored).
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