The Copa Libertadores champions needed two first-half goals to undo the Mexicans, who failed to repeat their comeback heroics against Ahli.

Argentine striker Claudio Bieler opened the scoring after just four minutes, slotting home from close range after a mix-up in the Pachuca backline.

The Ecuadorians remained in charge of the game until they managed to double their lead in the 26th minute, thanks to a well-placed free kick by midfielder Luis Bolanos.

Similar to their display against Ahli, Pachuca started creating danger after being two goals down. However, this time they couldn’t transform their supremacy into goals.

Liga keeper Jose Cevallos denied Damian Alvarez's volley before half-time, while Jose Cardenas missed a golden chance to pull one back for Tuzos when he failed to hit an empty net from a point-blank header.

However, replays showed he was pushed inside the six-yard box, but the referee did not react as Pachuca players sounded their dismay. Captain Miguel Calero was booked in the process.

Pachuca maintained their pressure, reaching an astonishing 70% possession of the ball, but Liga defense made sure to restrain their opponents' dominance to this point.

Reinaldo Navia should have killed off the game in injury time, but the Liga substitute blasted an easy chance over the bar.

Liga will face the winner of the Manchester United- Gamba Osaka clash on Thursday in the final of the competition next week.

First Goal

Second Goal