Torreon, Mexico – Rodolfo Salinas and Carlos Quintero scored in a four-minute stretch of the first half Saturday as Santos defeated Tigres, 3-0, to claim the top spot in Mexico's Clausura.
Santos was winless over its last two games, a draw and a loss, but Salinas put his side ahead after 20 minutes and Quintero followed in the 24th as the hosts took control in a clash of league's top two clubs entering the weekend.
Juan Rodriguez added a penalty kick in the second half for Santos, which stayed unbeaten at home with six wins and three draws. Tigres lost for the third time, all on the road, and slipped to fourth.
Joel Huiqui scored in the 90th minute Friday as Morelia tied Atlante, 1-1, to overtake Tigres on goal differential for third place. Monterrey needed a 90th- minute goal from Humberto Suazo to draw Pachuca, 1-1, on Saturday, but missed a chance to climb to second with a win.
Also Saturday, Ivan Alonso scored a second-half brace as Toluca tied Queretaro, 2-2, on the road, Duvier Riascos scored to lift Tijuana to a 1-0 road win over San Luis, Flavio Santos gave Atlas a 1-0 win at Guadalajara, and Edixon Perea scored twice as Cruz Azul downed U.A.G., 5-2.
On Sunday, Cristian Benitez converted a penalty in the 87th minute as America edged Puebla, 3-2, for its third straight win. America moved into second place on goal differential over Morelia and Tigres. Puebla is 12th. Jaguares scored three times in the second half for a 3-0 win over UNAM in the day's other game.
Receive your weekly recap of all the happenings around the world of sports.