Liga MX: Club America and Chivas renew rivalry in the 2018 Apertura version of El Súper Clásico
One of the biggest rivalries in Mexico is upon us. Chivas travels to Mexico City to face-off with Club America in Jornada 11 of the Liga MX Apertura.
Anything can happen during a derby. After the events of last weekend’s Clasico Regio, hopefully cooler heads will prevail and the rivalry can be confined to on-the-pitch and friendly off-the-pitch interaction. Chivas is trying to break into the top eight, while Las Aguilas hope to keep pace with Cruz Azul.
Fans of both clubs are going to be pumped up for this one, especially after the trash talk that has popped up since America’s stunning Copa MX exit at the hands of Ascenso side, FC Juarez.
Last Match
Club America: W @ Puebla 3-2
On the road against Puebla, America found themselves tied at two after Daniel Arreola’s goal in the 60th minute. When Edson Alvarez picked up his second yellow card of the night in the 87th, it looked like a disappointing draw for Las Aguilas. However, after coming on for Renato Ibarra in the 89th minute, Bruno Valdez played the hero, punching home the game winner in the 3rd minute of stoppage time to seal the victory.
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CD Guadalajara: D v Queretaro 1-1
Coming off a big 4-2 victory on the road against Monterrey, Chivas fans wanted to see more of that team. In some ways, they did. Chivas dominated the momentum. They ended the night with 18 total shots, seven of which were on target, forcing five saves from Queretaro keeper, Tiago Volpi. When Alan Pulido converted on a penalty in the 84th minute, it seemed a frustrating night would end on a high note. It wasn’t to be. Well into stoppage time, Queretaro were rewarded a penalty and striker Camilo Sanvezzo stepped up and buried the penalty kick.
Predicted Lineups
Club America: 4-4-2
Marchesin
Aguilar – Valdez – Aguilera – Sanchez
Renato- Rodriguez – Uribe – Dominguez
Peralta – Martin
I’ve mentioned before my disdain for Piojo Herrera’s love of the 4-4-2. I just don’t think it is getting the full potential out of the talent Las Aguilas possess. This is what I predict we see though, rather than what I want. I keep calling for Oribe Peralta to move to a super-sub role but he keeps being Club America’s top goal scorer, so he’ll keep starting. I’ll also keep hoping he moves to the super-sub role if it means he keeps scoring…
Henry Martin has been starting since scoring the dramatic tying goal against Pumas, and though he hasn’t scored since, he’s done well enough to keep starting. Bruno Valdez and Emanuel Aguilera will man the center-back positions with Edson Alvarez serving his suspension for picking up a red in the last match. Marchesin has left a lot to be desired the last few matches. Now would be a good time to be a top goalkeeper.
CD Guadalajara: 5-4-1
Gudino
Rankin – Basulto – Pereira – Marin – Hernandez
Lopez – Cervantes- Beltran – Brizuela
Zaldivar
The same lineup that Monterrey in their own barn is the one I expect to see on the field for the Super Clasico. The three center backs approach has provided Chivas with some stability in the back-end. They held Queretaro to just one shot in the first 88 minutes of last weeks match before giving up six more shots the remainder of the time. Even though they were unable to find the net outside of a penalty kick, they did have a goal waved off for a, let’s call it, questionable offside call. Angel Zaldivar paces Chivas with four goals on the season but he’ll need help. Alan Pulido could be that help, though he’s been predominantly used in a bench role.
Key Players
Club America: Henry Martin has to step up and be a consistent offensive threat in this match. He’ll show flashes but unless he can cause problems early, Club America will have to work harder to break through the Chivas back-end. Las Aguilas certainly have the talent to do that, but Martin will play a big role in making sure the focus can’t all be on Oribe Peralta up-top.
CD Guadalajara: America’s first match of the year saw them struggle against Necaxa without Edson Alvarez at center back. If Angel Zaldivar has success getting behind Aguilera and Valdez, he could be the key to unlocking America’s defense.
Prediction
El Super Clasico is the match most of Mexico gets hyped for and this should be no different. Chivas is very much improved from the beginning of the Apertura and Club America is down a Mexican international in Alvarez. The fan in me would love this to be the match Diego Lainez makes his mark on the rivalry and comes off the bench to change the game and cement his stardom. I don’t feel that will happen, though. I think the first half will be a lot of excitement but no goals. The two sides will exchange quick goals fairly early in the 2nd half, before Henry Martin comes through late with a towering header off a corner kick to seal the Club America victory.