Toluca win Mexican Apertura in dramatic shoot-out

Deportivo Toluca have crowned themselves champions of Mexico, beating Cruz Azul 7-6 on penalties after a 2-2 aggregate result in the final.

After winning the away match 0-2, Toluca appeared to be heading for victory but things weren’t as simple in the return leg.

Vela scored the opener for Cruz Azul four minutes after the interval and Dominguez made it 0-2 with 12 minutes left to play. Penalties were needed to determine which of the two sides would win the 2008 Apertura.

Both sides converted their first six penalties but Toluca keeper Cristante then parried Vela’s spot kick to give Miguel Almazan a chance to decide the championship.

The defender’s effort hit the crossbar but bounced in from keeper Gutierrez’ back for a dramatic climax and Toluca’s first title since 2005.

This being their ninth domestic title, Toluca move into third place on the list of sides that earned the most Mexican championships. Guadalajara still lead with 11 and America are second with ten.