Atlante made sure of a top-two finish in Group Two with two matches to spare by beating America 2-1 in Cancun in Wednesday night's games.

Argentine Javier Munoz and Venezuela forward Giancarlo Maldonado scored for Atlante who are second in the group behind already-qualified Santos Laguna.

Santiago Fernandez grabbed a late consolation for the visitors, who had midfielder Lucas Castroman and coach Daniel Brailowsky sent off in the second half.

America, the country's richest club, are third in Group Two with 20 points from 15 games and struggling to qualify.

The 18 teams play each other once in the qualifying stage but are divided into three groups.

The top two in each group qualify and from the remainder the four teams with the most points regardless of their group play off for two more places.

Toluca, led by Argentina's 2006 World Cup coach Jose Pekerman, drew 0-0 at home to Pumas UNAM to book their place in the last eight.

The Red Devils lead Group One with 28 points, eight more than their opponents and defending champions Pachuca, who continued a poor run as they were held 0-0 at home by Puebla.

Tecos UAG, who are led by Argentina's 1978 World Cup-winning coach Menotti, are bottom of Group One with 17 points but could still qualify for the playoffs after Wednesday's win.

Chile forward Hugo Droguett scored both goals for the Owls, including an 87th minute winner after Miguel Sabah had equalized for Cruz Azul with a penalty.

"This has rekindled our hopes and improved our spirits," said Menotti. "The triumph always helps to rediscover our faith and believe in the idea of the football which we want."