Cruz Azul had a 2-0 home win against Morelia in the Mexican league playoff semifinals on Thursday.
In Mexico City, Christian Gimenez opened the scoring for Cruz Azul against Morelia with a 28th-minute free kick that should have been an easy catch for Federico Villar, but the goalkeeper fumbled and the ball dribbled over the line.
Gimenez laid on the second goal for Emanuel Villa with a cushioned header to culminate a flowing passing move from the home side. Villa evaded defender Joel Huiqui and smashed into the roof of the net from close range.
Earlier in the day, Omar Arellano scored a late equalizer as Chivas of Guadalajara overcame the early sending off of its captain to secure a 1-1 home draw against UNAM Pumas.
The return legs of both semifinals will be played on Sunday.
