Monarcas moved three points clear at the top of the Clausura thanks to a 3-1 home win over fellow high-flyers CF America.

Christian Valdez set the hosts on their way with a thrilling opening goal in the eighth minute, rifling a 25-yard strike into the top left corner and giving goalkeeper Moises Munoz little chance.

And it was 2-0 after 20 minutes when Miguel Sabah turned the ball in from close range after Joel Huiqui's deflected shot came back off the crossbar.

America cut the lead when Christian Benitez ended a goalmouth scramble with a five-yard finish in the 31st minute, the ball trickling over the line. But Morelia regained their two-goal cushion after 70 minutes, Lozano Espin clinical with a penalty.

Monarcas have 26 points from 12 games, with Santos Laguna second on 23 points after 11 games, and America still third.