CANCUN FC, A STAR TEAM; PROCLAIMES CHAMPION FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE EXPANSION LEAGUE
The Iguanas beat the Atlante Iron Pots (3-0) in the second leg of the Grand Final in front of a packed 'Andrés Quintana Roo' stadium* Cancún, Quintana Roo December 3, 2023.- Cancún FC is champion of the 2023 Apertura Tournament of the MX Expansion League! The Iguanas made their goal possible, thanks to their victory (3-0) against the Potros de Hierro del Atlante. Vibrant, full of emotions and nerve, in the middle of a spectacular party at the 'Andrés Quintana Roo' stadium, those led by the teacher, Luis Arce, confirmed in this Liguilla why they were the best in the competition. Yes, a team with a star. Just over 16 thousand fans enjoyed the great atmosphere in the stands of the building in superblock 21. Fireworks and color games made the occasion unique. The expectation to see the Caribbean people reach their first Final, at the expense of an old acquaintance, completely overwhelmed the city, which in a matter of a few hours, sold out the tickets. It was no wonder, the tie pitted the super leader and the most common in finals. The full house was assured. The goalless draw in the first leg, in the Ciudad de los Deportes, guaranteed a clash of giants for the second leg. The governor of the state, Mara Lezama, the municipal president of Benito Juárez, Ana Paty Peralta, as well as Eric Arcila Arjona, president of the Quintana Roo Sports Commission (Codeq) and Alejandro Luna López, head of the Sports Institute, were the special guests of Cancún FC. The hosts opened the scoring in the ninth minute. The African Cheik Traore escaped at full speed down the left wing, beating the Atlantic defense and the goalkeeper, Humberto González. The joy broke out in the 'Andrés Quintana Roo'. Atlante could not recover from the painful affront, when in a scuffle in the six-yard box, Raúl Castillo managed to push the ball with his thigh. It was 2-0 for the Iguanas. A blow of authority that put the Colts against the wall. Cancún FC was a great piece for Atlante, a rival that took what was involved seriously. In addition to football, he left his heart on the field. Still at 45', the Colombian, José Rodríguez, had the great opportunity of a third goal, when he crashed his shot into the humanity of Humberto Hernández. Atlante searched by all means, but was never able to breach the defense, led by Benjamín Galindo and Hedgardo Marín. Cheik Traore would score 3-0, which sealed the historic victory. In ten home games they played, they won nine, including all three in the final phase. The only time they lost was against Coyotes de Tlaxcala, on the eighth date, on Wednesday, September 6. In contrast, the Blaugrana suffered their third defeat in five finals they have drawn so far, the second in Cancún, on December 3, since that same day they lost (0-1, overall 4-2) against Dorados de Sinaloa in the dispute for the Apertura 2016 title, when it was identified as Liga de Ascenso MX.