CONCACAF Champions League wrap: Martinez magic works

Substitute Osvaldo Martinez scored the only goal as Monterrey beat 10-man Toluca in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarter-final on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old attacking midfielder struck in the 82nd minute at Toluca’s Estadio Nemesio Diez to give the Mexican side a significant advantage as they head home for the second leg on March 3.

Martinez’s winner, from a free kick about 25 yards out, beat Toluca keeper Miguel Centeno just inside the post.

The attacking midfielder had replaced William Paredes about 20 minutes before he scored.

The goal was the culmination of a half in which Monterrey finally started to exert their will on short-handed Toluca.

Toluca were reduced to 10 men when Luis Arias was sent off after just 10 minutes.

Arias was adjudged to have used his elbow while attempting to head the ball. His elbow connected with the head of Jesus Zavala, who remained on the pitch for several minutes after the incident.

Although Toluca did an admirable job of trying to push the game, they were never able to sustain any real pressure.

Monterrey controlled the possession for much of the match.