Perhaps all Chivas Guadalajara needed to play up to expectations was the inspiration provided by the presence of Johan Cruyff. Just a couple of days after he was introduced as an adviser to the club, the Dutch footballing legend was in the crowd on Sunday as Chivas won their first game in any competition in 2012. Morelia, Monterrey and America also had big weeks, while Atlas clinched a massive win to help their chances of survival in the Primera.
Mexican Primera, Week 8 Review: Chivas Grab First Win, Morelia Go Top
Chivas finally got their first win of 2012 on Sunday, while Tecos slipped further into the bottom relegation place in this week’s Mexican Primera action.
Chivas don’t win pretty, but they win
The Goats took a 2-0 lead at home against Santos on Sunday, but almost threw away their lead late. Marco Fabian scored the opener and ‘Cubo’ Erick Torres made it 2-0 in the 58th minute, but Herculez Gomez would make things interesting late. The halftime sub hit a fantastic header over Luis Michel and into the back of the net in the 77th minute, setting up a thrilling finish.
In stoppage time, Oribe Peralta was fouled by Jonny Magallon in the box, giving Santos a chance at an equalizer. Gomez stepped up to take the penalty but couldn’t convert, as Michel made a massive save to keep the win intact for Chivas.
Morelia, America and Monterrey All Win
Monarcas Morelia are surprisingly top of the Mexican Primera after eight rounds, thanks to their 2-0 victory over a slumping Cruz Azul side. Joao Rojas and the red-hot Miguel Sabah netted the two goals for the home side. In Monterrey, the Aldo De Nigris - Humberto Suazo connection was re-kindled as they both scored goals in a 2-1 win over a superior Puebla side. In Cancun, America put an absolute beating on Atlante. Jesus Molina scored the opener in the 2nd minute and Christian Bermudez netted against his old side in a 4-0 thrashing.
Tecos get closer to the drop
Estudiantes Tecos have never been relegated, but it’s tough to see how they’re going to get out of this mess. They lost 1-0 to fellow relegation rivals Jaguares de Chiapas. Elsewhere, Tijuana drew Toluca 1-1 at home, while Queretaro drew 1-1 away to UNAM Pumas and Atlas pulled off a 1-0 road upset win over San Luis. That loss cost San Luis manager Rene Isidoro his job.
Every team but Atlas now appears to have enough of a gap built up to withstand anything but a stunning collapse and a miracle run by Tecos. This appears to be a two-team relegation race, and Atlas are heavy favorites to avoid the drop.
Scores
Tijuana 1-1 Toluca
Atlante 0-4 America
San Luis 0-1 Atlas
Pachuca 1-1 Tigres
Monterrey 2-1 Puebla
Jaguares 1-0 Tecos
Morelia 2-0 Cruz Azul
Pumas 1-1 Queretaro
Chivas 2-1 Santos Laguna
For more on the Mexican Primera, check out Mexican football blog FMF State Of Mind.
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