The 2018/19 Copa MX began play on Tuesday, yielding some surprising results and some exciting matches:
Celaya FC 0 – Pachuca 2
Franco Jara scored in the 48th minute, was subbed off for Sebastian Palacios in the 69th minute, then Palacios scored a goal in the 74th minute. Each team will now face off against Santos to round out group play.
Atletico de San Luis 2 – Tigres UANL 1
A pretty big upset here, San Luis was a mid-table Ascenco club last year, but was able to respond to a Tigres goal in the 51st minute from Eduardo Vargas. Only 5 minutes later, San Luis’ Kevin Lara answered with a goal of his own. As full-time approached, San Luis bagged another goal. This time it was Ian Gonzalez in the 86th minute. Tigres is probably not in any major danger, but it’s certainly concerning the way this went. The teams now await matches with Cafetaleros.
Tampico Madero 1 – Puma UNAM 2
Pumas was able to survive a difficult match with Tampico Madero, though it was a nervy affair. Tampico Medero struck first, when Diego Esqueda scored in the 45th minute. Pumas was able to respond with a 62nd minute goal by Marcelo Diaz, then Martin Rodriguez put in the game winner at the 88 minute mark. Necaxa will be the next opponent for these teams in the Copa.
Monarcas Morelia 2 – Alebrijes de Oaxaca 0
Monarcas weren’t ever really in much danger in this one. After 16 minutes, Carlos Sebastian Ferreira drew first blood in the match. The rest of the match was a stalemate, with 5 total yellow cards. Morelia put another goal on the board for their goal differential category at 90’+3’ from Miguel Sansores. Chivas is the next Copa opponent for this team.
Mineros de Zacatecas 4 – Club Leon 3
Leon fans can’t be pleased with this one. The final score was 4-3 to Mineros de Zacatecas, but Leon was down 3-0 at the half off of a goal from Guillermo Martinez Ayala (7’), and two from Josue Marcado Castillo (17’, 41’). In the 66th minute, Cristian Torres broke through for Leon, but Francisco Rivera answered less than a minute later to keep the lead at three. A penalty given to Leon in the 85th minute and Walter Gonzalez converted from the spot to bring it to 4-2.
Claudio Gonzalez got another one back for Leon (90’), but the following stoppage time didn’t see any more goals. Leon has to be pleased they were able to claw back a bit. The goal differential would have been a problem. Queretaro should have plenty look at when preparing for their Copa matches against these teams.