Two goals from Aldo de Nigris helped reigning champion Monterrey beat fellow Mexican side Pumas UNAM 3-0 on Wednesday in the CONCACAF Champions League semifinal first leg.
Hector Morales got the first goal in the 7th minute, with de Nigris adding his double in the second half. Chilean international Humberto Suazo set up all three goals.
The second leg is scheduled for next Wednesday in Mexico City, with the final to be against either Mexican side Santos Laguna or Toronto, who drew 1-1 in their semifinal first leg.
Morales opened the scoring early, back-heeling in a low cross from Suazo, as hosts Monterrey put pressure on Pumas early in the game.
De Nigris broke free at the backpost in the 60th to nod in Suazo's cross and extend Monterrey*s lead to two goals.
De Nigris added his second in the 72nd, turning a defender and slotting a left-foot shot into the corner of the net from inside the area, after being put through by Suazo.
In Toronto, the hosts were held to a draw, giving Santos Laguna the edge heading into the home return leg.
American Herculez Gomez scored for Santos in the 30th minute. It was his ninth of the season and fourth in this competition.
Miguel Aceval equalized for the Canadian club in the 37th minute but the hosts could not find a go-ahead goal despite having a man advantage in the closing minutes.
The winner of the CONCACAF Champions League participates in the Club World Cup, scheduled to be held in Japan in December.
