Argentine Emanuel Villa scored all of Cruz Azul's goals in their 4-2 win over San Luis in the Mexican Apertura championship on Saturday. The former Huracan, Rosario Central and Derby County striker completed his hat-trick in the 32nd minute and added a late fourth for Cruz Azul, who top Group Three with 18 points from nine matches.
The 27-year-old, who is the championship's top scorer with 10 goals, headed Cruz Azul in front after six minutes from Alejandro Vela's left cross. He drove in the second in the 17th minute, headed his third from Jaime Lozano's cross and turned in Chilean Emilio Hernandez's pass four minutes from time.
Raul Arias, named in midweek as Guadalajara's fourth coach this year after Francisco Ramirez resigned following a 4-0 defeat by San Luis, made a winning start when his team beat Chiapas 1-0 at home in Group One. Arias had the traditionally creative Chivas playing to his defensive tune, which drew jeers from their own fans despite the victory. Guadalajara, with eight points from eight games, languish 10 points behind group leaders Toluca, who are at home to Atlas on Sunday.
Monterrey lead Group Two with 20 points after a 3-1 away win over Pachuca with two goals from Chilean Humberto Suazo. They are a point ahead of Morelia who won 2-0 away to Estudiantes on Friday.