Pumas beat Chivas to secure playoff spot

Associated Press

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Daniel Ramirez' low shot in the 55th minute gave Pumas a 1-0 victory over Chivas in Mexico's first division on Sunday and secured a spot in the playoffs of the Clausura championship.

Cruz Azul remained atop the standings despite its 5-1 loss on Friday to Morelia, and Toluca held second spot after a 1-0 loss to Atlas on Saturday. Both clubs had already qualified for the playoffs.

Morelia got on top early, scoring twice via Aldo Leao and Hector Mancilla before Achille Emana netted in the 42nd to pull one back for Cruz Azul.

Mancilla made it 3-1 with a penalty on halftime and Duvier Riascos and Oscar Fernandez extended the winning buffer with goals in the last 15 minutes.

In other results in the penultimate round, Chiapas defeated Santos Laguna 3-2, Dario Benedetto's strike six minutes from time gave Tijuana a 2-1 win over Atlante 2-1, and Puebla beat Pachuca by the same margin with defender Jesus Chavez scoring the winner in the 70th.

Leon beat Tigres 3-0, Monterrey had a 4-1 win over Veracruz and America drew 0-0 with Queretaro.