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Matchday 9: Capital Classic and Guadalajara derby

By Thomas Buckley

Pumas striker Carlos Gonzalez might find space on free kicks since rugged América defender Bruno Valdez will not be available. González scored the lone goal in UNAM's 1-0 win the last time the Clásico Capitalino was played at the CU. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Pumas striker Carlos Gonzalez might find space on free kicks since rugged América defender Bruno Valdez will not be available. González scored the lone goal in UNAM's 1-0 win the last time the Clásico Capitalino was played at the CU. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images) /
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Mexico City Guadalajara classics
Chivas forward Alexis Vega (right) has wreaked havoc on the Atlas defense since joining Guadalajara a year ago. He will get special attention during Saturday’s Clásico Tapatío in Estadio Jalisco. (Photo by Refugio Ruiz/Getty Images) /

Chivas pay visit to Atlas in Guadalajara derby

Mexico’s oldest “Classic” is also scheduled for this weekend. Guadalajara and cross-town rival Atlas skirmished for the first time in 1916 when the Zorros were born. The Chivas had been around for 10 years by then.

Saturday’s contest will be the 149th regular-season meeting of these Jalisco rivals. The Chivas lead the all-time results with 55 wins to 45 for Atlas. There have also been 48 draws.

This time around, the Chivas appear to be holding all the cards. After a stumbling break out of the gate, Guadalajara has won two straight with striker J.J. Macías playing the hero.

Macías returned to the Chivas after spending a year on loan to León, but he missed a chunk of games last month. Now back in the starting line-up, the lanky 20-year-old is leading an opportunistic attack.

The win streak boosted Guadalajara back into the playoff hunt (the Chivas are in 8th place with a 3-3-2 record) and lifted the pressure off coach Luis Fernando Tena. A big-spending winter seemed set to explode in the faces of Guadalajara management – especially after disciplinary measures were taken against two the highly touted acquisitions.

Tena revealed earlier this week that Cristian Calderón and winger Uriel Antuna will be on the game roster and could play against Atlas after they were fined and demoted for off-the-field indiscretions.

If Guadalajara can demonstrate tactical equilibrium and find the precocious Macías in favorable positions in front of net, the Chivas can expect a deep playoff run. That is, unless the players lose focus on the task at hand. And with a young roster, you never know.

As for Atlas fans, they are looking at a long season. The young Zorros have regressed and the veterans up front have been unimpressive.

Atlas has scored but 6 goals in 8 games while fighting defensive lapses and confusion on offense. Part of this is the result of a coaching change (Leandro Cufre was fired after only three games) and Rafa Puente has not made a positive impression since taking over.

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