Mexican champion Pumas to miss Apertura playoffs

MEXICO CITY (AP)—Reigning champion Pumas failed to qualify for the end-of-season playoffs in the Mexican Apertura season after a 1-1 home draw with Tijuana on Sunday.

Pumas needed a win to make the eight-team playoffs and have a chance of defending the title, and took the lead through a 25-yard (meter) free kick from Javier Cortes in the 11th minute. However, Juan Pablo Santiago equalized for Tijuana in the 52nd.

Also Sunday, Tigres made it through with a 1-0 win against Puebla to end the regular season in third place.

Tigres joined league leader Chivas, Cruz Azul, Santos Laguna, Chiapas, Pachuca, Morelia and Queretaro in the playoffs that will decide the Apertura champion.

Chivas secured top spot with a 2-2 draw against Pachuca on Saturday.