to be played Tuesday at The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calif., -- will decide who advances to the finals on Sunday, Jan. 15, as all four teams still have a shot to move on. Guadalajara currently has a leg up, leading the group with four points after valiantly fighting back to draw Cruz Azul 2-2 after giving up two early goals.
At halftime, it looked like Cruz Azul would coast to a win and put all four teams in group even at three points, having gotten goals from Francisco Fonseca in the 13th minute and Cesar Delgado in the 42nd minute.
Chivas, however, were able to rebound with a goal from Edwin Borboa in the 57th minute. Then, with a stroke of good fortune, Adolfo Bautista was fouled in the box, giving Chivas a controversial penalty that he easily struck home in the 85th minute.
The penalty was seen as questionable by Cruz Azul; they argued the referee's decision for several minutes following the call. Even some Chivas players said they weren't so sure about the call.
"This is one of the most important tournaments in the world. This tournament needs to be organized and played at a high level," said Cruz Azul coach Isaac Mizrahi. "But, unfortunately things like this (the penalty) happen."
"It may not have been a penalty on Adolfo," said Chivas defender Carlos Salcido. "Then there was a tough foul on (Alejandro) Vela afterwards that was an obvious penalty, so you just have to play and you can't worry about those things."
Guadalajara played a wide-open attacking style they are known so well for, but it nearly backfired after they gave up the two first half goals.
"We play for the fans, we do this for the crowd,' said Chivas head coach Hans Westerhof. "So in that sense it was a great game they enjoyed and we enjoyed it, too."
The fans definitely held up their end of the bargain, creating an awesome atmosphere in the stadium. The packed house broke a Dallas InterLiga attendance record with 22,322, beating out a Jan. 9, 2005 InterLiga doubleheader that was seen by 20,918 fans.
Pizza Hut Park's first InterLiga doubleheader lived up to the hype as both team's brought their "A" game, giving those fortunate enough to get a ticket - some standing room only -- quite a show.
"It was 11 on 11 back and forth," Westerhof said. "And that's the type of game we like to play.
"There were some hard fouls, but that's the way things are. If you play in the World Cup, you want to play Italy or Spain in a tight game, a game with fouls, a game that's back and forth. So these are the games you have to play - world class games."
Chivas was braced by three second half substitutes that helped propel the team in their comeback.
"We showed our depth tonight too which helps us a lot," said Westerhof. "The three subs that came in tonight - Jorge Barrera, Sergio Santana and Vella - all had a great game so in that respect it was a good game for us since we need those guys to show that we have the talent on the bench."
While Cruz Azul were not able to pick up a victory, thereby placing their Copa Libertadores hopes in serious jeopardy, the Cementeros aren't hanging their heads.
"We're not happy with the end result, but we are still playing well," Fonseca. "But, right now we will just have to go forward and try to advance.
"Chivas are a good team, and Oswaldo is a good 'keeper," added Fonseca. "But, we feel sad that we couldn't get the result."
Scott Joiner is a contributor to InterLiga.com. This story was not subject to the approval of the league or its clubs. Ron Goode contributed to this report.
