MEXICO CITY, Nov. 1 (Xinhua) -- Santos Laguna boosted its hopes of reaching the Liga MX Apertura playoffs with a 1-0 home win over Necaxa on Sunday.
Matias Espindola gifted the hosts the lead against the run of play by accidentally deflecting the ball into his own net while trying to clear a cross from Mauricio Cuevas.
The visitors had a series of chances to equalize late in the match but could not find a way past goalkeeper Carlos Acevedo, who made nine saves.
The result leaves Santos Laguna eighth in the 18-team Apertura tournament with two matchdays remaining. Necaxa is 17th with just two wins from 15 games this campaign.
The top eight teams will advance directly to the quarterfinals, which are due to begin on November 25. ■
