Aviles Hurtado leads Monterrey Rayados to 1-0 win over Pachuca Tuzos

Pachuca, July 22: Colombian Aviles Hurtado scored a goal in the 65th minute to lead the Monterrey Rayados to a 1-0 win over the Pachuca Tuzos in Liga MX Apertura tournament action. Monterrey, managed by Uruguayan Diego Alonso, and Pachuca, which has Spaniard Pako Ayestaran at the helm, squandered multiple scoring opportunities in Saturday’s match.

The Rayados have been the league’s best team over the past two seasons but have failed to win a title, coming up short repeatedly in big matches.

Hurtado almost scored in the 64th minute and finally nailed a goal a minute later.

In other action during the first week of Liga MX Apertura tournament play, Cruz Azul blew out Puebla 3-0 on Saturday, thanks to goals scored by players coming off the bench.

Colombian Yahir Renteria scored in the 82nd minute, Argentine Milton Caraglio scored in the 92nd minute and Mexican Elias Hernandez finished off Puebla in the 94th minute.

The first week of tournament play started on Friday when UNAM Pumas beat Veracruz 2-0 on goals by Chilean Felipe Mora and Mexican Pablo Barrera. Atlas and Queretaro played to a 0-0 tie in another first-round match. IANS