Pumas can save their season with win in Clásico Capitalino
The Clásico Capitalino is on tap Sunday at noon and the Pumas are determined to exact a measure of revenge against the Aguilas.
América eliminated the Pumas in the semifinals last season. Nothing terribly new about that (the Aguilas had knocked UNAM out only the season before too), but it was the way they did it that has caused the Pumas so much affliction.
The Aguilas routed the Pumas at Estadio Azteca 6-1 then went on to win the championship.
UNAM is still licking its wounds and staggered out of the Clausura 2019 starting gate, costing coach David Patiño his job. Since then, Bruno Marioni has righted the Pumas ship somewhat – they are in 15th place – but this Mexico City derby could go a long way in making – or breaking – their season.
América saw its 23-game unbeaten streak come to an end on Matchday 4 against league-leading Monterrey, but the big shock came last week. León whipped América at Estadio Azteca 3-0, the Aguilas worst loss since the Tigres crushed them by the same scoreline on Dec. 2, 2017, in a semifinal game.
The Aguilas are struggling with injuries (Mateus Uribe and Oribe Peralta are out) and their late winter market acquisitions are still working to find their way with their new mates. A win puts them smack dab back in the middle of the playoff race.
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Last match
Querétaro 0, Pumas 2
Captain Pablo Barrera scored early against the last-place Gallos Blancos and UNAM basically coasted to victory. Sub Juan Iturbe scored for a second straight game to clinch the Pumas’ first win of the season. The Pumas didn’t play particularly well, but against Querétaro – which has lost all 6 of its games – they did enough to win. Goalie Alfredo Saldívar made 6 saves to earn his first shut-out of the season.
América 0, León 3
Angel Mena scored twice after youngster José Juan Macías had opened the scoring in minute 12. América eventually got impatient – they fired 22 shots, but only 5 were on goal – as León played with a 1-goal lead for over 60 minutes. But León played solid defense before exploiting the Aguilas back line with two quick counter attacks.
Possible line-ups
UNAM: 4-4-2
Saldívar
Mozo – Jaquez – Quintana – Domínguez
Barrera – Iniestra – Escamilla – Malcorra
González – Mora
This is the line-up Marioni has favored of late, but Martín Rodríguez could also start on the left side of midfield, moving Víctor Malcorra inside alongside Andrés Iniestra. Subs David Cabrera and Juan Iturbe could help shore up the midfield depending on how the game goes, while Brian Figueroa is an option on offense.
América: 4-4-2
Marchesín
Aguilar – Valdez – Aguilera – Sánchez
Ibarra – Álvarez – Rodríguez – Ibarguen
Martínez – Castillo
I actually don’t think Nicolás Castillo will get the start (he could, but he’s only been with the team a fortnight) but his history with the Pumas would turn up the intensity level with Castillo on the pitch. I expect coach Miguel Herrera to attack from the outset and test the Pumas. Playmaker Nicolás Benedetti will surely see the field in the second half.
Key players
UNAM: Right back Alan Mozo had a breakout season in the Apertura 2018, but has not found the same form thus far in the Clausura. He was red-carded with 10 minutes left in the 6-1 loss to América, allowing his frustration to get the better of him. Mozo must be ready to run sprints the entire game and make his presence known on the right flank.
América: Midfielder Guido Rodríguez is a monster and if he is able to move farther up the pitch in support of the offense, the Pumas will be in trouble. If UNAM is able to keep him pinned back in front of his own back four, this could be a low-scoring game.
Prediction
Castillo scored 26 goals in 39 games while with UNAM from January 2017 through May 2018. His last game as a Puma was in Estadio Azteca in a 4-1 loss to América (and Castillo score UNAM’s goal). Pumas fans will be merciless with him, but his América teammates won’t let the crowd bother them. They need to show last week’s loss to León was a fluke.