Chivas holds off Toronto FC on penalties to extend Mexico's CCL dominance

For the 10th straight season, a Mexican club captured the CONCACAF Champions League trophy.

Chivas de Guadalajara overcame Toronto FC 4-2 on penalties in Wednesday's second leg in Mexico, cementing Chivas as the sixth different Mexican side to win the tournament since it was rebranded ahead of the 2008-09 season.

The win was secured when Michael Bradley, Toronto FC's captain, skied his penalty over Rodolfo Cota's goal, immediately handing Chivas the trophy.

After creating a 2-1 lead on aggregate following their first-leg win in Toronto, Chivas looked to be in for smooth sailing when Orbelin Pineda opened the scoring in the 19th minute on a delectable through-ball from Rodolfo Pizarro. Toronto FC responded just six minutes later, however, when Jozy Altidore tapped home Nicolas Hasler's cross in the six-yard box to hand Chivas its first conceded goal at home throughout the entire tournament. Sebastian Giovinco then erased Chivas' away-goal advantage with a smooth finish just before the half, putting the pressure on the hosts.

Playing in its first Champions League final, Toronto nearly stole it in the end; Giovinco's cross from the left found Marco Delgado all alone in space in Chivas' area, though the 22-year-old midfielder couldn't keep his attempt in added time under the bar.

Chivas' victory keeps Mexico a perfect 10-for-10 under the current format of the Champions League. The win also guarantees Matias Ameyda's men a berth in the 2018 Club World Cup, scheduled to take place in December in the United Arab Emirates.

Champions League winners under current format:

In what will come as little consolation for Toronto or Giovinco, the Italian forward was named the winner of the Golden Ball award as the best overall player in the tournament.