Kardiac Kitties

Tigres wanted to make sure their fans got their money’s worth and waited until 2nd half stoppage time to assure their passage to the 2nd round of the Libertadores. Tigres defeated Universidad Catolica de Chile, 1-0, which tied them with the Chilean team with 10 points in group 4. But that magical goal differential tie-breaker gave Tigres the golden ticket to the next round.

Carlos Alberto Ramirez came on in the 78th minute for Aldo de Nigris, and took advantage of a poor clearance by Catolica before hammering home the winner. Ramirez was also a late sub in the Clasico Regio when he belted home the winner in that game as well. Tigres joins Guadalajara as the Mexican contingents in the knockout rounds of the Libertadores. Pumas, on the other hand, managed to scrap a lone point earlier in the week from Nacional de Montevideo, which gave them a grand total of 1 point from 6 games played. With their performance, they earned the ignominious “honor” of worst showing by a Mexican side in the South American tournament. ¡Pinches Pumas!

Mexican sides have enjoyed moderate success in the Libertadores. Cruz Azul made it as far as the finals in 2001, only to be turned away by Boca, and Chivas were semi finalists last year after soundly defeating Boca in the quarters. Their run ended there, however. Chivas still have a match to play, albeit without their seleccionados, and will need a result to maintain 1st place in group 1. Their point standing among the 8 1st place teams will determine their round of 16 opponent.

America won the CONCACAF Champions cup, and will travel to Japan later this year to compete in the World Club championship. Congrats to the Cremas. They came from behind to defeat Toluca 2-1.