Two-time defending champion Monterrey ended its scoreless streak with a three goals from Angel Reyna and single strikes from Jose Maria Basanta and Dario Carreno, opening the CONCACAF Champions League with a 5-0 victory over tournament debutante Chorrillo on Tuesday.
The victory was Monterrey's first since beating America on May 12 in the Mexican league semifinals, while Chorrillo remained winless in three games since opening the Panamanian Apertura season.
Reyna scored just before halftime and two more in the closing minutes as Monterrey - shut out in its two league matches this season -- dominated for much of the match, and added three in the final 12 minutes.
It controlled from the opening kickoff and took the lead in the seventh minute. Basanta found himself completely unmarked a step inside the penalty spot and drove Suazo's corner past Chorrillo keeper Diego Mosquero.
It was the first goal in 18 Champions League games for the 28-year-old Argentine defender.
Reyna doubled the lead in the 45th minute, dribbling to just left of the arc without being challenged before unleashing a right-footed shot that skipped inside the left post.
Chorrillo had few chances in the first 45 minutes, restricted to Renan Addles right-footed effort from the edge of the area that Monterrey keeper Jonathan Orozco had to dive right to block at the post in the 39th.
The Panamanian side started the second half better, but wasted its opportunities with weak shots or those that were well wide of the target.
Monterrey, which made only three changes from its loss on Friday to Morelia, then reasserted itself and added to its lead in the 78th when Eduardo Zavala played a short ball to Reyna, who touched to the penalty spot before sending a soft shot to Mosquera's left.
Second-half substitute Carreno added another in the 83rd, taking a ball from Zavala spinning 360 degrees and beating Mosquera from the middle of the area.
| 1 of 2 | >> |