Saturday’s Super Clasico represented a chance for Chivas de Guadalajara to salvage their season and build momentum heading into the spring’s Clausura, but they were predictably outplayed and defeated by Club America on Tuesday night. While the Goats fared better than many expected, they still provided less-than-spectacular opposition for America in their 2-0 win.
Club America vs. Chivas Guadalajara: Final score 2-0, Raul Jimenez the Super Eagles’ hero
Club America are nine points clear at the top of Liga MX, thanks to their expected Super Clasico home win over Chivas de Guadalajara. Chivas are well out of the Liguilla battle with nine points from 13 games.
Brian Bahr
Chivas started an extremely attacking team with a true back three and no true wingbacks. Unsurprisingly, this led to America putting together a lot of dangerous-looking attacks down the flanks. They were the better side in the first half and looked like they could score at any time, but couldn’t find a goal. Chivas did a decent job of holding onto possession, but struggled to create chances of their own. Aldo de Nigris forced Moises Muñoz into a simple save in the 23rd minute, and it would be the only time he had to make a stop for his team.
America stuck by their tactics in the second half, making no dramatic changes, but things picked up a bit after Osvaldo MartÃnez replaced Luis Mendoza, a virtual like-for-like switch, in the 56th minute.
The home side's dominance finally turned into a goal in the 69th minute, thanks to Rubens Sambueza. He held off Kristian Alvarez on the left flank, got to the byline and lofted a cross towards the back post that found Raul Jimenez. America's star striker lost Nestor Vidrio and took advantage of his free header, beating Luis Michel.
Two minutes later, Vidrio was at fault for another America goal. He failed to step up with his teammates and left Luis Gabriel Rey onside on a through ball by Jimenez, then recovered lazily. His deflection helped Rey’s shot to beat Michel, doubling America’s lead.
The Goats, consistent with their showings throughout the season, never looked like much of a threat to get back into the game. They could very easily be second-bottom by the end of the round, and are just waiting for the winter transfer window at this point.
Club America: Muñoz, Valenzuela, Rodriguez, Mosquera, Layun, Medina, Sambueza (Molina 83’), Mendoza (Martinez 56’), Aguilar (Aldrete 71’), Rey, Jimenez
Goals: Jimenez (69’), Rey (71’)
Chivas de Guadalajara: Michel, Vidrio, Reynoso, Alvarez, Fabian, Enriquez (Sabah 82’), Araujo, Fierro (Cisneros 77’), Hernandez (Ponce 19’), de Nigris, Marquez Lugo
Goals: None
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