America defeats a 10-man Chivas in Liga MX
As we head into the second matchup of Mexico’s ‘Super Clasico’ this week, America was the clear favorite after their dominant performance over Guadalajara in Copa MX on Tuesday. Las Aguilas showed a strong offense and defense that was not match for Chivas in the entire game.
Los Rojiblancos played with no confidence and gave an effortless game to win against one of their biggest rivals. After taking a devastating elimination from Copa MX, Chivas had the opportunity for redemption in Estadio Akron to rise in the standings.
At the start of the first half, it didn’t take too long for America to show their presence on the scoreboard. In the 3rd minute, Renato Ibarra made a quick run for the ball after a long pass on the right side. Ibarra was able to take control of the ball and cross to center, where Nico Castillo beat his defensive mark to header in for the 1-0.
The game became more difficult for Jose Cardozo’s team after Jesus Molina, ex-America player, received a straight red card in the 37th minute after committing a foul on Guido Rodriguez. Cardozo was given no choice but to take out one of his best forwards to put in a defensive midfielder to prevent a blowout on the score.
Ibarra was a nightmare for Chivas when the second half began. He was able to cruise through their right side because of his amazing speed and was close to making two assists in the first ten minutes.
But it was Andres Ibarguen that made a difference in the 53rd minute. Ibarguen took on one his rivals from the left and led his shot from inside the box that seemed easy for Chivas goalkeeper. But the ball slipped through his fingers and Ibarguen put America in the lead at 2-0.
From then on, it was America who were superior on the field as Chivas tried to hold it together until the end of the game. Guadalajara was closing in on goal in the last five minutes of the game, adding pressure on Agustin Marchesin goal. In the end, Chivas couldn’t take advantage of the scoring opportunities and took their second consecutive loss to las Aguilas.
Cardozo could see his finals days as head coach after suffering another loss this week and for his team underperforming in the last few games. Miguel Herrera adds his fifth win as America’s coach against Chivas and continues to show who the best winner in el ‘Super Clasico’ is. Herrera places his team up on fourth place and in playoff position, Chivas fall to 11th place.
