Unsurprisingly, the final of the Mexican Ligulla has stayed wild with Monterrey equalizing in the 54th minute. Aldo de Nigris created the opportunity, beating his defender and getting into the penalty area. Santos keeper Osvaldo Sanchez did well to parry the ball away, seemingly preventing what would have been a very easy goal scoring opportunity with Humberto Suazo arriving into the box as well. However, Sanchez deflected the ball out towards Neri Cardozo who scored with a great driving finish from 15 yards out.
The goal could be a big confidence booster for Cardozo who had previously been quiet. Monterrey have depended on him in the midfield all season and can hardly afford to have him uninvolved in games. Monterrey look to be playing with a swagger since the goal and Santos will have to be careful not to concede again. They should probably think about a goal of their own, as well, since a draw will make them slight underdogs for the the return leg this weekend.