After grabbing titles like two-for-one specials in 2006 and 2007 - winning the Clausura and Copa Sudamericana titles in 2006, then the 2007 Clausura, Concacaf Champions League crown and SuperLiga title - Pachuca hit a dry spell. Struggles in the league translated to tournament struggles. But the club is back in the throes of a title chase as it once again challenges for the Clausura 2009 championship this year against Pumas, which it faces Thursday evening (Telemundo, 10 pm ET) in the first leg.

"It would be an incredible turn to the last year and a half because after not reaching the Liguilla three consecutive tournaments, reaching the final has a special feel to it," Pachuca player Christian Gimenez said. "We've suffered a lot but now we have to take on this responsibility knowing that it is very difficult just to reach the final in Mexico, so we need to enjoy it to the maximum."

Pachuca, for whom U.S. midfielder Jose Francisco Torres starts in midfield, dominated competition this season until almost upended by an Indios team that won the second leg of the semifinals, 3-2. Despite the scare, Pachuca advanced on aggregate to face Pumas in the finals.

 

Read the original story...