Gio dos Santos’ goal lifts America 1-0 over Chivas in El Clasíco Nacional.
El Clasíco Nacional of a year ago marked the gruesome injury of Giovani dos Santos. He suffered that injury in his right thigh due to a tackle by Antonio Briseño. More than a year later, he expected to appear in a crucial match, and he did so with a spark that was worth three points for los Azulcrema, who took the Clásico over Chivas 1-0. It was not a game full of emotions; it was far from it, perhaps due to the lack of fans in the stands, which is always an incentive for the players of both teams, there was only a cry of relief, and that was from America, enough to reach the goal.
The start of the game went from less to more, each team to its own, with América gathering people with good ball-handling in midfield, playing catch up was Chivas, the home team displayed a well-structured game. At the same time, Chivas was unable to score on America’s fragile defense. The plans of one worked while the others did not. Each team had their opportunities to score more than just one goal in this game.
Benedetti made his presence felt early in the first half. The Colombian was active on the right and appeared in the area finishing with his head on a cross from Giovani. Raul Gidiño, however, saved the shot. Dos Santos tried to be the player who created plays. He knew that this was a stage to show himself, and he warned with a strike from a medium distance. Chivas was playing a subpar half. The game progressed, and Gio he had his moments to handle the ball; he tried his luck with some stopped balls, but he could not exploit the Chivas defense. It was Brizuela from Guadalajara who found Macías with a ball that Ochoasaved with one hand. The first many stops the goalkeeper would have in this game.
Giovani’s goal came in the 26th minute. It was generated by a suitable pressure from America, who gained a rebound, the ball was left to Richard. He connected with Gio, controlled with the right foot, space was made, and took a left-footed shot that Gudiño’s set won. In the blink of an eye, Gio put his team ahead by the minimal difference. In the second half Chivas clouded in the attack. America closed all the spaces. El Piojo’s team did not have another goal action, and Guadalajara lacked creativity. They failed to pressure Ochoa; all their opportunities died with America’s defense. Loa Azulcremas the fighting for the top spot in this season’s Liguilla. They won this rivalry game against their arch-nemesis, but next week comes a more demanding test against Cruz Azul.
