WATCH: Cruz Azul Misses Late Chance, Draws With Club America in First Leg of Apertura Final
Mexico City rivals Club America and Cruz Azul battled to a scrappy 0-0 draw Thursday in the first leg of the Liga MX Apertura final in Estadio Azteca.
The game was light on true scoring chances but was almost decided in stoppage time as Cruz Azul's Edgar Mendez found himself one on one with America goalkeeper Agustin Marchesin but he blasted his shot against the underside of the crossbar, allowing a grateful Marchesin to calmly collect the rebound.
Marchesin was also involved in the save of the night, denying Igor Lichnovsky's fierce header with a spectacular diving save.
Marchesin wasn't the only goalkeeper involved on the night though, as Jose de Jesus Corona was called upon to keep the score level early in the second half, getting down quickly to stop a low shot and keep the game scoreless.
The game was somewhat marred by Roger Martinez being carted off and being replaced by Cecilio Dominguez. Both Martinez and Mateus Uribe are expected to miss the second leg for America.
The second leg of the Apertura final is slated for Sunday, also at Estadio Azteca.