Cruz Azul are set to make their inaugural FIFA Club World Cup appearance after winning the CONCACAF Champions League by earning a 1-1 draw with Toluca and winning on away goals on Wednedsay.
Mariano Pavone scored in the 41st miunte for Cruz Azul, giving them their crucial away goal. Edgar Benitez replied in the 63rd minute for Toluca, but the hosts were unable to find a second goal before the final whistle. The win means La Máquina (The Machine) will represent the CONCACAF region at the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco 2014 later this year.
The
match proved to be an entertaining affair, with both sides having
several opportunities to break the deadlock early on. End-to-end action
filled up the first 20 minutes, before Pavone opened the scoring four
minutes before the break with a calm finish.
Going into half-time needed two goals in the final 45 minutes was the task at hand for Toluca, but the hosts could not muster enough quality chances in the second period to truly trouble Cruz Azul’s
backline. The occasional effort towards goal was never particularly
threatening, but Benitez breathed life into the home supporters with a
delightful finish towards the top of the penalty area to level matters.
That would be the end of the scoring, however, despite Toluca’s
efforts to find a second goal. The visitors celebrated triumphantly at
the final whistle, knowing their maiden voyage to the Club World Cup was
secured.
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