After a few weeks of much-needed action for the eight teams of the Liga MX, a champion was crowned after a dull 90 minutes in Estadio Olímpico Universitario in Mexico City.
The Copa GNP Mexico lived to its expectations for the eight club teams that participated in the min tournament prior to the start of the Guad1anes 2020 tournament that is less than a week away. Most importantly, moving forward the tournament could continue in the years to come as it will take place in the United States in 2021 and slowly integrate 1-2 MLS club teams as well to make it more ” attractive”.
Entering the final of the Copa GNP Mexico, a lot of high hopes were put in place for both Chivas and Cruz Azul as they were the top 5 in Liga MX’s Clausura 2020 before it was suspended. It didn’t live up to its expectations though as the game was a low scoring affair.
The first to score was Chivas at the start of the second half with a strike from the forward Alexis Vega that seemed to keep Chivas ahead in the remainder of the game but it did not take long for La Maquina to equalize the game. With an own-goal from Hiram Mier at the 52nd minute, the game was leveled until the last few minutes of the match.
La Maquina was “gifted” a penalty at the 93rd minute as extra time was starting to run out. Jonathan Rodriguez of Cruz Azul stepped up to take the penalty and no matter how many mind games Chivas goalkeeper Antonio Rodriguez played, Jonathan Rodriguez stepped up and buried it making the game 2-1.
Chivas had a couple of chances after attempting to equalize but it would fall short. Crowing Robert Dante Siboldi team as the first champion of the Copa GNP Mexico. Although the game ends a bittersweet taste depending on what team you are rooting for, we have to admit that La Maquina is looking promising and could be one of the favorites to win the upcoming tournament if possible.
Chivas moving forward will play their first game of the Guard1anes 2020 tournament at home welcoming Leon on July 25, 2020, where it could be a game full of sparks. As for Cruz Azul, they well play Santos on July 25, 2020, at the Estadio Olímpico Universitario, where both teams will demonstrate who will want to start off the tournament off the right foot.