Posted on October 26, 2012
GUADALAJARA, Mexico – Xelaju became the second Guatemalan team to reach the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals on Thursday.
Xelaju moved onto next year’s next round despite dropping a 2-1 decision to Chivas de Guadalajara in a Group 8 match. Allan Aleman scored in the 79th minute for the Guatemalan side, which turned out to be the deciding. goal.
Both teams finished tied with eight points for the group lead, but Xelaju won the title on away goals in the two games between the clubs
Xelaju, which will take on top-seeded and two-defending CCL champion Monterrey (Mexico) in the quarterfinals in March, is one of two sides not from Mexico or the United States in the knockout round. Herediano (Costa Rica) is the other team.
The defeat snapped Xelaju’s six-game streak.
Chivas became the first Mexican team to fail to qualify for the knockout round round since the CCL began in 2008.
Aleman’s diving header from close-range disappointed the crowd at Estadio Omnilife..
Jesus Sanchez and Luis Morales had given the hosts a two-goal advantage by the 65th minute.
Sanchez struck in the opeing half as he controlled a cross from Carlos Fierro before he beat goalkeeper Fernando Patterson.
Morales gave Chivas a 2-0 lead in the 65th minute as he beat defender Nelson Morales and then Patterson at the near post.
Israel Silva appeared to have scored Xelaju’s vital goal three minutes, but it was disallowed for offside, setting up Aleman’s heroics.
Categories: Central America, Champions League, Guatemala, Mexico, North America
Tags: Alan Aleman, Chivas Guadalajara, CONCACAF Champions League, Jesus Sanchez, Luis Morales, Monterrey, Xelaju
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