It was a defensive battle last night in Zapopan, Mexico. Chivas and America tied 0-0 in the first leg of their Liga MX Semifinal matchup. It was the second time that both teams tied 0-0 this year. Chivas looked like they were a better team, especially in the first half but failed to score.
Usually in these types of series, the team that hosts the first leg has to try and take chances. It seemed like Chivas played a bit too conservative and didn’t do that. This is the biggest rivalry in Mexico and it’s great to see it be played in the “liguilla”.
The second match in the series should be even more intense in Estadio Azteca. Does Chivas still have a chance to win the series despite not taking the lead in the first leg?
Chivas Did Not Take Advantage of Scoring Chances
During the first half Chivas was dominating the match on both sides of the field. They probably had their best half of soccer during this playoff run but were unable to score. This was due to them not finishing those opportunities they had. Roberto Alvarado had a strong first half in the midfield setting up his teammates for chances.
Ricardo Marin had two clear shots right in front of the goal but couldn’t score. America goalkeeper Luis Malagon made stops in key moments to keep the match scoreless. He looks to be the starter for Mexico in the Copa America this summer and it is well deserved.
Chivas had to feel frustrated after the first half. Usually when a team lets a half go without scoring when they should have it ends up being the key to the whole series. Especially being at home with America struggling to make five passes in a row, you have to find a way to score.
Also Read: Monterrey vs Cruz Azul Preview 5/16: Exciting Matchup in Liga MX Semifinal
America Shut Down Chivas and Made Subs In the Second Half
Chivas lost their star midfielder Erick Gutiérrez at halftime due to an apparent shoulder injury that happened late in the first half. That hampered Chivas and allowed America to take advantage. They shut down their midfield attack basically after this.
Chivas wasn’t able to recover the ball as easily as before and America started gaining more ball possession. As time went by America started creating some scoring chances for the first time. Diego Valdez had a clear-cut opportunity to score right in front of the net which he missed.
America made some key substitutions as the half went along bringing in Julián Quiñones who caused problems for Chivas. He can be very dangerous off the ball creating scoring opportunities with runs that throw defenses off. Quiñones is a Liga MX legend at this point, winning two league titles with Tigres, two league titles with Atlas, and one with America. That’s five titles in eight years in this league and he is only 27. Look for him to do something special in the second leg like he did in the quarterfinal against Pachuca.
What kind of match will it be the second leg? Chivas will have to take more chances to score, a tie won’t be enough to advance.
About the Author
Mike Nelson lives and breathes sports. Ever since he was very young he has also dreamed of covering sports. Mike graduated from CSULA in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. He has been very lucky to cover sports and be on the radio for the last few years with different organizations including a stint with the LA Galaxy where he was one of the announcers for the LA Galaxy 2 team for two seasons.
Mike loves music, he hosts his radio show/podcast “The Mike Nelson Show” where he has gotten to interview the biggest names in rock and metal including Les Claypool, David Ellefson, and others.
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