Pachuca edged a step closer to successfully defending their CONCACAF Champions Cup crown when they fought out a 1-1 draw with Saprissa in the Costa Rican capital San Jose on Wednesday. And it could have been an even better result for the Mexicans had Victor Cordero not cancelled out Luis Gabriel Rey's opener in the closing stages.

Undaunted by the electric atmosphere generated by a full house at the Estadio Ricardo Saprissa, the visitors were determined not to be bossed around, a bold approach that has given them a slight advantage in the race for a place at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2008.

Moradospress, Tuzos stand firm
Despite suffering four consecutive defeats in the Costa Rican championship, Saprissa made a bright start in front of their own fans. Content to sit back and soak up the pressure, the patient Mexicans waited for the Morado storm to blow itself out.

Even though they dominated possession, the hosts found chances hard to come by, and it was the holders who created the first opening on 23 minutes when Gabriel Caballero's fierce drive drew a smart save from Keilor Navas.

Saprissa stuck to their task and went close just four minutes later when Celso Borges grazed the woodwork with a free-kick. The Tico international went even closer just before the break, heading against the bar from a corner.

Deadlock broken
Saprissa were made to rue that miss immediately after the restart as Pachuca drew on their big-match experience to take the lead. The architect was Damian Alvarez, the Argentinian threading a superb ball through a tightly packed defence and into the path of Luis Gabriel Rey, who finished with aplomb.

Their confidence rocked, the home side could make no impact on the steadfast visiting defence and as the half wore on, the openings dried up.

But just as it looked as if an increasingly desperate Saprissa would end the first leg at a deficit, they were handed a lifeline. After Pachuca had failed to clear a last-minute corner, midfielder Victor Cordero struck home a firm drive to restore parity and give his side some hope for the return leg.

Although ultimately disappointed with the result, Tico coach Jeaustin Campos refused to throw the towel in. "We were up against a great team and, while we didn't play as well as we would have liked, if we can show some heart, determination and love for the jersey, we can still pull this tie around."