LA CHORRERA, Panama - Cristian Riveros' header in the 70th minute led Cruz Azul to a 1-0 victory over Arabe Unido in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinal Thursday night, giving the Mexican side a decided advantage when it returns home next week.
Riveros leapt unmarked to head in a cross at the edge of the goal box, easily beating keeper Jose Marin for the winner.
Cruz Azul keeper Yosgart Gutierrez had a couple of key saves earlier to keep the game scoreless, and Camilo Aguirre's shot off the bar in the 75th completed the Panamanians frustrations.
The Azulinos, who won their fourth straight in the Champions League and extended their unbeaten streak to 10 in the competition, will host the second leg on Wednesday, seeking a return to the final after being beaten in the title series by fellow Mexican club Atlante last year.
Arabe Unido played without three players due to accumulated yellow cards from the Group Stage: Amando Cooper, Francisco Castaneda and goalkeeper Carlos Bejarano. It entered the game winless in its last four league matches since a 2-0 victory over Chorrillo on February 5.
After a first half which saw only one shot on goal each by both teams, Gutierrez thwarted Nicolas Munoz on a rebound in the 56th and then dived to knock away another chance two minutes later.
Victor Mendietta had a goal disallowed for offside in the 20th minute for Arabe Unido in a game neither side looked overly dangerous except for brief moments.
Cruz Azul extended its unbeaten streak to five games with its fourth victory since mid-February despite playing without several regulars including Gerardo Torrado, Fausto Pinto, Christin Gimenez and Jaime Lozano.
The two sides shared about equal possession, although Arabe Unido appeared to get the better chances in a half in which the two managed one shot on goal apiece in the first half.
Arabe Unido started the second half with the upper hand. Reynaldo Lewis tested Gutierrez from distance in the 51st and Angel Rodriguez hit a free kick from 25 meters that swerved just wide in the 55th.
Andres Santamaria had Arabe Unido's last threat in the 84th, swirling a left-footed free kick that Gutierrez leapt to push over the bar at the back post.
