Atlas win first Mexican top flight title in 70 years

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MEXICO CITY, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) -- Argentine striker Julio Furch converted the decisive spot-kick as Atlas won their first Mexican top-flight title in 70 years by beating Leon on penalties on Sunday.

Furch held his nerve with his team's fifth attempt of the shootout after Luis Montes and Fernando Navarro both missed their chances for Leon.

It marked the second league title in Atlas' 105-year history and their first since the 1950-1951 season.

Leon entered the match needing only a draw to clinch the title following their 3-2 home win in the first leg of the final on Thursday.

However, the momentum was with Atlas from the outset at the Jalisco Stadium in Guadalajara.

The hosts went ahead shortly after halftime when Aldo Rocha sent a flicked header past goalkeeper Rodolfo Cota after Angel Marquez failed to make clean contact with a long-range effort.

Atlas dominated possession but rarely posed a serious scoring threat until second-half stoppage time when both Jean Meneses and Emmanuel Gigliotti were sent off for bad tackles.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Leon survived the 30-minute epilogue to force the match into a penalty shootout. Enditem

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