Chivas de Guadalajara drew 1-1 with Club America in the Mexican Super Clasico on Sunday afternoon. The visitors took the lead thanks to a stunning Paul Aguilar goal after six minutes, but the home side drew level following Aldo de Nigris’ second half equaliser.
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(Video) Goal: Chivas 1-1 Club America – Aldo de Nigris grabs the equaliser in the SuperClasico
(Video) Goal: Chivas 0-1 Club America – Incredible Paul Aguilar golazo gives visitors the lead in the Mexican SuperClasico
Chivas de Guadalajara vs Club America – Liga MX Preview: Mexican ‘Super Clasico’ sees Matosas under pressure
Before the game all the talk focused on America’s slump in form and Chivas’ surprise return to the upper echelons of the Liga MX table. Club America started the game in ninth place and outside the play-off plays, while Chivas had reaching the summit of the table for the first time in three years last weekend, but started in third after Tigres’ win and Veracruz’s draw on Friday.
With America facing the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final in Montreal on Wednesday night, there was some debate around what team their boss Gustavo Matosas would choose to play. In the event he named a strong line-up, with only three changes from the side that drew 1-1 with Montreal in first leg last week. In came Maduena, Guerrero, and Alvarado, and out went Arroyo, Pimentel and Pellerano.
Chivas were unchanged from the side which started their 1-1 draw with Tijuana in Week 14.
America got the perfect start when defender Paul Aguilar smashed in a wonder goal in the 16th minute. Argentine winger Rubens Sambueza got the assist, and Aguilar recovered from a poor first touch to fire what is certain to be a goal of the season contender.
The game finished 1-0 at half time, but not before Quintero and Benedetto went close for the visitors and Fierro forced Munoz into a great save at the other end.
The equaliser came in the 63rd minute courtesy of veteran forward Aldo de Nigris. America struggled to clear a relentless Chivas attack, and the ball eventually found its way to the 31 year old striker. Munoz got a hand to the ball, but couldn’t prevent it hitting the back of the net.
Further chances came for both sides, but the game ended 1-1. On reflection it was a fair result – Chivas had more possession but America had the better chances. Both sides had twelve shots on target.
The result suits both sides. Chivas return to first place – a point ahead of Tigres, Veracruz, and Atlas. They need two more points to guarantee themselves a playoff spot. America moved back up to seventh, but are only one point ahead of Mexico City rivals Cruz Azul in the race for the playoffs.
After Wednesday’s Champions League final, America welcome Toluca in Week 16 then travel to Atlas on the final day. Chivas go to Tigres next week then hosts bottom of the table Morelia to end the regular season.