Football
Tom Marshall, Mexico correspondent 9y

Leones Negros relegated from Liga MX, Puebla ensure survival

Leones Negros have been relegated from Mexico's first division, less than one year after winning promotion from the Ascenso MX.

The team from the Universidad de Guadalajara defeated Cruz Azul 2-0 on Saturday in Mexico City in the last round of regular season matches in the Clausura 2015, but relegation rival Puebla earned the point it needed to guarantee survival in a 2-2 draw away against Santos Laguna. Both games were played simultaneously.

At halftime in the matches, Leones Negros were 1-0 up against Cruz Azul and Puebla 1-0 down against Santos Laguna, but Puebla netted twice in the first six minutes of the second half.

Mexico's relegation system is worked out on a points-per-game ratio over the last three years (or six short tournaments). Leones Negros' ratio ended level with Puebla's at 1.0294 points per game, but Leones Negros had a worse goal difference.

At the other end of the table, Club America, Chivas, Queretaro and Pachuca all confirmed their place in the Clausura 2015 playoffs on Saturday. Tigres, Atlas and Veracruz were already qualified.

On Sunday, Toluca will steal the last playoff spot from Santos Laguna if it can overcome Tigres. Any other result and Santos will be in the playoffs.

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