It’s been mostly one-way traffic in the Super Clasico thus far. Even though Chivas Guadalajara are the home side, with a very partisan crowd behind them, Club America have been in control for most of the first half and have had the best of the chances. Chivas did have one great chance, however, hitting the back of the net on the corner kick. Except the goal didn’t count. America had a goal that didn’t count as well. Referee Marco Antonio Rodriguez has taken over the game, and because of him, it’s 0-0 at halftime.
Chivas Vs. America, 2012 Super Clasico: Halftime Score, Marco Antonio Rodriguez Sadly The Story
America’s disallowed goal came in the 20th minute, when ‘Chucho’ Cristian Benitez rose up over Kristian Alvarez to win a 50-50 header and direct the ball into the back of the net. Inexplicably, Rodriguez called a foul on Benitez even though he did nothing but jump and head the ball.
The exact same thing happened on the other end in the 36th minute. Hector Reynoso was left unmarked and got onto the end of a corner kick, applying a simple finish. Rodriguez blew his whistle and cancelled out the goal, and it wasn't clear what for. Reynoso certainly didn't make contact with anyone, and there was no obvious foul committed off the ball.
Just one minute later, Alvarez went in on a terrible two-footed lunging tackle ‘Hobbit’ Christian Bermúdez. Perhaps sensing that he was already seen as ‘ruining’ the game, Rodriguez only showed a yellow card.
The refereeing was by far the biggest story of the first half. The actual football, outside of the two goals created, was not particularly good. It’s a typically sloppy and physical derby, and neutrals can only hope for much better football in the second half.
For more on the Super Clasico and all of Mexican football, head over to FMF State Of Mind. We’ll have coverage before, during, and after the game in our Chivas Vs. America, 2012 Super Clasico StoryStream.
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