America edges Guadalajara Chivas 1-0

MEXICO CITY (AP) — A late goal from Paul Aguilar handed America a 1-0 win over Guadalajara Chivas on Sunday in Mexico's most intense rivalry, leaving Chivas with little chance of making the playoffs with just three games to play in the regular season.

America improved to 25 points in fifth place and is on the brink of qualifying for the playoffs. The top three teams in Mexico — Santos Laguna, Monterrey and Tigres — are guaranteed places in the postseason after the results this weekend from round 14 of the Clausura championship.

In other matches, Monterrey defeated city rivals Tigres 2-0, Santos Laguna drew 1-1 with Estudiantes Tecos, Morelia drew 0-0 against Atlas, Jaguares defeated San Luis 3-2, Tijuana won 2-1 against Atlante, Cruz Azul lost 2-1 against Queretaro, Puebla won 2-1 against Toluca and Pachuca overcame Pumas 1-0.

The winning goal at Guadalajara's Estadio Omnilife came in the 86th when Aguilar struck a low shot in off the post from the right hand side of the penalty area, after receiving a through pass from substitute Raul Jimenez.

America had the better of the first half, but both teams had goals disallowed.

Ecuadoran Christian Benitez had his headed goal ruled out for leaning on a Chivas defender in the 20th, and Hector Reynoso nodded in from a corner in the 36th only to find the referee had spotted a foul on the America goalkeeper.

America came out after halftime pushing for an opening goal, but didn't create many chances with the game played out mainly in the midfield.

After Aguilar's goal, Chivas pushed forward attempting to get an equalizer but had no clear cut opportunities. Chivas captain Reynoso was sent off for throwing an elbow in injury time.

The victory means America needs only one win from its three remaining games to make the playoffs, while Chivas has to win all three remaining games and hope others slip up.

In the Monterrey derby on Saturday, two goals either side of halftime from Aldo de Nigris gave home side Monterrey the victory against Tigres.

Santos Laguna has 30 points, followed by Monterrey on 28, reigning champions Tigres in third — also on 28 points — and Morelia in fourth on 27.