Enner Valencia scored a hat trick as Pachuca downed Pumas 4-2 on Sunday to advance to the semifinals in Mexico's Clausura playoffs.
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Pachuca won the quarterfinals series 5-3 on aggregate and will next face Santos Laguna. Toluca play Leon in the other semifinal.
Valencia turned sharply past a defender and placed a left-footed shot into the corner of the net for his first goal in the 12th minute, and Efrain Velarde equalized four minutes later with a strike from 25 yards.
Valencia tapped in for his second in the 25th minute, with Jose Carlos Van Rankin pulling Pumas back level in the 33rd.
Valencia's third goal came from a free-kick that he curled inside the post, and Hugo Rodriguez extended the lead with a header in the 55th minute.
Toluca defeated Tijuana 3-1 on Sunday, following a 0-0 draw in the first leg.
Miguel Ponce and Edgar Benitez netted one goal each in the final 30 minutes to hand Toluca victory. Antonio Rios had given Toluca the lead in the 32nd minute, before Dario Benedetto equalized for Tijuana in the 49th.
Santos Laguna defeated America 3-1 on Saturday to advance on away goals after a 6-6 aggregate draw.
Santos' Ribair Rodriguez and Andres Renteria scored in their win, after Carlos Valenzuela of America conceded an own goal.
Leon also went through on away goals after a 2-2 with Cruz Azul on Saturday for a 3-3 aggregate scoreline.
Leon came from two goals behind in a match affected by heavy rain in Mexico City, with Mauro Boselli scoring from close range in the 40th minute and Luis Montes leveling in the 59th with a solo effort. Argentines Mariano Pavone and Mauro Formica scored early for Cruz Azul.
The first legs of the semifinals are scheduled to be played on Wednesday and Thursday, with the return legs on Saturday and Sunday.
Soccer Hot News
Seedorf commends players for reaction to Constant abuse
Clarence Seedorf commended his Milan players for their response after Kevin Constant was racially abused in Sunday’s 2-1 loss at Atalanta.
A banana was thrown in the direction of Constant during the second half of the clash at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, an action which drew sarcastic applause from Milan team-mates Philippe Mexes and Nigel de Jong.
Milan coach Seedorf was quick to praise his players for not allowing the unsavoury incident to affect their performance on the pitch.
“I can only compliment my lads because they continued playing,” Seedorf told Sky Sport Italia .
“I don’t need to comment on the rest. Constant and his team-mates reacted in the best way by carrying on with their work.”
A stunning last-gasp winner from Franco Brienza gave Atalanta three points after German Denis’ penalty had cancelled out Milan’s opener, which came courtesy of an own goal from Gianpaolo Bellini.
The defeat dents Milan’s hopes of securing UEFA Europa League football for next season.
Yet Seedorf, whose future has been the subject of speculation, remains hopeful of gaining qualification for Europe’s second-tier club competition.
The Dutchman also insists that his conscience is clear regarding his own performance since taking charge in January.
“This is a heavy defeat, as we had come here to win,” he added.
“We did well in the second half, but Franco Brienza’s goal was stunning. Just a minute earlier we had almost scored with Mario Balotelli (who hit the post) and deserved to net a second goal.
“There is certainly still hope for Europe because until a few months ago it had seemed impossible. Now we are battling.
“I do not evaluate, I just think about finishing the season as best we can with this group. There will be time for the rest.
“I am giving my all, so my conscience is clear. I am concentrated on the final game.”
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