By DAVID MOSSE
Pumas UNAM didn't put forth a great performance on Sunday, but goals from former Chivas USA standout Francisco Palencia and Javier Cortes proved the difference, as Guillermo Vasquez's side claimed the Clausura title with a 2-1 victory over Morelia.
Palencia opened the scoring from the penalty spot early in the first half before Jaime Lozano equalized, raising the tension at the Estadio Olimpico Universitario.
It took a moment of brilliance from Cortes just 13 minutes from time to break the deadlock, as Pumas' leading scorer on the season beat three defenders and blasted a shot past Morelia goalkeeper Federico Vilar. The visitors had no choice but to pour forward in the closing moments, but were unable to seriously trouble Miguel Alejandro Palacios, as Pumas held on for the win.
There was controversy, as Morelia's Miguel Sabah had a strong penalty shout waved away after being taken down in the box by defender Dario Veron, but few could argue with Pumas' triumph. Los Auriazules lost only three times in the entire campaign en route to a seventh national title, moving just one shy of Cruz Azul for fourth best among Mexican clubs. Guadalajara leads with 11.
Pumas is headed to the Concacaf Champions League next term, while Morelia faces a qualifying series to earn a place in the group stage. Vasquez, meanwhile, confirmed his status as one of the bright, young managers in the domestic game by guiding a team with an interesting blend of youth and experience. Pumas will now look to repeat the feat it achieved in 2004 under Hugo Sanchez by winning the Clausura and Apertura titles in the same calendar year.
Here's a rundown of all the weekend scores from some of South America's top leagues:
ARGENTINA
Velez Sarsfield is back on track on the domestic front after knocking off Gimnasia (La Plata) on Sunday to maintain its lead atop the Clausura standings. Uruguayan hitman Santiago Silva scored a sensational goal to confirm his status as the most in-form striker in Argentinian soccer. Maxi Moralez added the second from the penalty spot and Arsenal target Ricky Alvarez shined as well.
Boca Juniors was unable to build on last week's win over River Plate with another victory against Arsenal Sarandi, but Pablo Mouche did find the back of the net eight minutes from time to at least salvage a 2-2 draw. Lucas Viatri accounted for Boca's other goal with a clinical header, while Ivan Obolo and Lisandro Lopez scored for the home side, which finds itself 17th in the standings.
Newell's Old Boys 1, CA All Boys 0
Atletico Banfield 1, Godoy Cruz 1
Tigre 0, Lanus 3
Argentinos Juniors 0, Olimpo 1
Atletico Huracan 0, Estudiantes 2*
Independiente 3, Atletico Colon 1
Quilmes 2, Racing Club 0
River Plate 1, San Lorenzo 1
*match suspended after 32 minutes
BRAZIL
Ronaldinho showcased his full repertoire of skills, guiding Flamengo to a 4-0 win over Avai in the opening round of the Brazilian Championship. The 31-year-old has struggled since returning to his native country, but he was in sensational form on Saturday, scoring one goal and setting up another. Thiago Neves also celebrated his recent national call-up by finding the back of the net.
Sao Paulo made an even more impressive start, however, brushing aside defending champions Fluminense 2-0 thanks to a brilliant performance from Lucas. The youngster played a part in the opening goal by Dagoberto, then sealed the victory with a majestic solo effort early in the second half in which he raced past several defenders before beating opposing goalkeeper Ricardo Berna.
Atletico Mineiro 3, Atletico Paranaense 0
Ceara 1, Vasco da Gama 3
Santos 1, Internacional 1
Coritiba 0, Atletico Club Goianense 1
Figueirense 1, Cruzeiro 0
Gremio 1, Corinthians 2
Palmeiras 1, Botafogo 0
America 2, Bahia 1
URUGUAY
Nacional is on the verge of claiming the Clausura title after knocking off Danubio on Saturday to open up a five-point lead atop the standings. Mauricio Pereyra fired home the winner early in the second half, while goalkeeper Rodrigo Munoz came up with a number of big saves. Danubio was actually the better team, but Diego Perrone and Alvaro Gonzalez missed several opportunities.
Unlike Argentina's Velez Sarsfield, Penarol has clearly decided to prioritize the Copa Libertadores, virtually throwing in the towel in the Clausura Championship. Diego Aguirre rested all his starters on Sunday, as Penarol was held to a 1-1 draw by Defensor Sporting. The only regular to see any action was goalkeeper Sebastian Sosa, who actually stopped a penalty to at least salvage a point.
Centro Atletico Fenix 2, Bella Vista 2
Miramar 0, Liverpool 4
River Plate 4, Montevideo Wanderers 2
Tacuarembo 2, Central Espanol 1
CA Cerro 2, El Tanque Sisley 1
Racing Montevideo 3, Rampla 2
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What did you think of this week's results? Impressed by Pumas knocking off Morelia? Think the Brazilian Championship will live up to the hype?
