Cruz Azul takes first leg of Liga MX final over Santos on Luis Romo's goal

Cruz Azul defeated Santos Laguna 1-0 thanks to a Luis Romo goal in the first leg of the Liga MX Guard1anes 2021 final.

Romo's second-half strike gives the Mexico City side a valuable away goal as it looks to snap a 23-year title drought. 

After a flurry of chances by both sides in the opening minutes of the first half, the Torreón-based hosts seemed to have taken the lead in the 48th minute but Eduardo Aguirre was ruled offside. 

Romo nabbed the match winner for Cruz Azul in the 71st minute when he dribbled the ball into the box past a pair of Santos defenders before losing the ball on a bounce in front of keeper Carlos Acevedo. Orbelín Pineda kept the play alive, with Romo knocking it in past Acevedo.

The second leg will be played at Estadio Azteca on Sunday.