Javier Orozco and Christian Gimenez scored second half goals to lead Cruz Azul to a 2-0 victory over fellow-Mexican side Santos Laguna in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals Tuesday.
American teams Real Salt Lake and the Columbus Crew played out a scoreless draw in Tuesday's other match.
Orozco scored in the 58th minute for his 11th goal this season in the Champions League and Gimenez sealed the win in the 68th.
Santos will return home for the second leg on March 1
At Columbus, Ohio, the Crew had four shots on goal while Salt Lake had none, but poor finishing ruined the Crew's chances.
The Crew ended the match with 10 players and Salt Lake had nine after Columbus forward Emilio Renteria and Real Salt Lake defender Nat Borchers exchanged elbows in the 72nd minute.
Those sending offs followed the second yellow for Tony Beltran on the 53rd minute.
The two teams will meet in the return leg on March 1 at Sandy, Utah.
