LEON, Mexico – Elias Hernandez scored a goal and contributed an assist to lead Liga MX side Club Leon to a 2-0 victory over Tauro FC of Panama in the second leg of the 2023 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 on Thursday night at the Estadio Leon in Leon, Mexico.
With the result, La Fiera earned a 3-0 win on aggregate over the two legs to advance to the quarterfinal stage for the second time in their SCCL history. Club Leon will face Violette of Haiti in the next round.
With a goal advantage in their favor from last week’s 1-0 win in Panama and the home crowd at their backing, Club Leon took the field looking to sew things up with some early goals.
They were able to break the deadlock and increase their aggregate lead to 2-0 in the 26’ when Hernandez crossed for a wide open Brian Rubio, who clinically swept into net for the goal.
⚽ ¡GOL de @clubleonfc! 🦁
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) March 17, 2023
Brian Rubio marca el primer gol del partido y el marcador global se pone 2-0 a favor de La Fiera. | #SCCL23 pic.twitter.com/uQH3mbqj4v
Hernandez then got to play the role of goalscorer right before halftime with a run down the left wing that saw him make a sensational cutback to his right and fire in a right-footed shot for a 2-0 Club Leon lead.
⚽ ¡Elías Hernández anota un golazo que pone al estadio a festejar!
— Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League (@TheChampions) March 17, 2023
🦁 @clubleonfc | #SCCL23 pic.twitter.com/YwGICGcsxX
Club Leon remained in full control as play continued into the second half and calmly saw things out to in the final 45 minutes to secure their spot in the next round.
