Mexico City giants Cruz Azul fought their way past Club Tijuana and into the CONCACAF Champions League final thanks to a 2-0 home leg victory on Wednesday and 2-1 aggregate win in their semifinal series.
Cruz Azul came into the game trailing 1-0 following Tijuana's home win last weekend, but the opening whistle had barely sounded before it was even. Xolos midfielder Javier Güemez deflected a Joao Rojas cross over Cirilo Saucedo and just inside the back post to knot the series at 1-1.
The hosts would find the series-winner just on the other side of halftime, as Julio "Cata" Domínguez stuffed home a loose ball in the box after Tijuana failed to clear a free kick. That goal would stand, and sent Cruz Azul through to the final.
US internationals Edgar Castillo and Joe Corona, as well as US youth international Paul Arriola all started for the Xolos. Veteran Herculez Gomez was left off the 18-man gameday roster.
Cruz Azul will play Liga MX rivals Toluca in the home-and-home finals.
