America take the lead in the semifinals at Guadalajara

Chivas hosted their archrivals at the Akron stadium for the xth edition of a National Clasico played in the semifinals. America came from a meagre performance against San Luis, but advanced after a late goal gave them the lead in the series. Meanwhile Guadalajara tied their series 1-1, after losing the first leg, but advanced due to their position in the regular season table.

Malagon saves the night 

The game began with Guadalajara determined to take the lead at home. Early in the game at the 6’, Victor ‘Pocho’ Guzman stole the ball past the midline and served the ball to Alexis Vega, who dribbled past a defender and took a shot on target, but Luis Angel Malagon had his first big save of the evening. Later at the 15’ Alan Mozo crossed the ball from the right and the ball again found Vega, who simply touched the ball to deflect it far from the keeper. And the ball was indeed deflected far from Malagon, but he was still able to reach it, low in the far post.

America tried to react with two shots from outside the box, but Guadalajara again came closer with a great play where almost all of the offensive, Guzman, Vega, Alvarado coupled with Torres and Mozo took the ball all around America’s half until Mozo ultimately crossed and Guzman headed the ball towards the goal, but it again was stopped by Malagon.

Lastly, at the 29’ Chivas again pressed on America until Jesus ‘Chiquete’ Orozco served to Guzman but Malagon read the play correctly and came out to stop Guzman from shooting.

America react

After all the danger generated by Guadalajara, America reacted with a superb volley by Jonathan ‘Cabecita’ Rodriguez that pierced the net. Unfortunately for America, the Rodriguez was caught offside. Despite de let down, America started playing better and feeling more comfortable at the rival’s field after this invalid goal.

Guadalajara reacted at the end of the first half on added time with two good plays and two shots just barely off Malagon’s goal. One coming from Alvarado, and one from Guzman, who had a very solid first half.

At the start of the second half, Alejandro Zendejas got subbed in for America. Zendejas got the ball at the 60’ coming from a beautiful through ball by Diego Valdez, and then dribbled a defender inside the box and shoot to score.

America played better during the second half,  but guadalajara was able to react with some attempts on Malagon’s goal. At the 66’ Vegas saved a ball from becoming goal kick, served to Pavel Perez and then to Guzman, who took the clearest attempt for Chivas in the second half.

America kept pressing and at the 74’ Richard Sanchez took a long shot that the keeper Miguel ‘Guacho’ Jimenez blocked successfully. On the ensuing corner, the ball reached Diego Valdez, who headed the ball onto the crossbar, on what was the closest attempt for America besides the goal.

Guadalajara kept trying, getting increasingly dangerous in the last part of the game, however all attempts fell short and wouldn’t put Malagon’s goal in any real danger.

All in all it was an exciting Clasico, with both teams having plenty of chances. Now Chivas will have to get a victory of two goals or more at Mexico City, since the draw benefits America due to their position in the table.