Liga MX starts heading down back stretch of Clausura 2020 schedule with two legitimate Classics headlining Week 9 slate.
Friday sees the 116th playing of Mexico City’s big rivalry game, the “Clásico Capitalino,” and the country’s oldest derby, Guadalajara vs Atlas, takes place Saturday night at the Estadio Jalisco.
The América-UNAM showdown is a must-see, not only in Mexico City, but across the nation. The Aguilas are Mexico’s second most-popular team (or most-popular, depending on who you ask) and UNAM grads can be found all across the country.
This season’s clash was moved from high noon Sunday to Friday night so that capital authorities can start preparing for Monday’s “National Women’s Strike.”
Pumas fans and officials are not happy with the league’s decision, believing their traditional start time is an advantage.
A 2-game losing streak is never desirable, but heading into a big rivalry game on a skid is truly bad news. That’s what the Pumas are dealing with right now.
UNAM was in first place after Matchday 6, but then suffered a 2-1 home loss to Morelia before getting pounded 3-0 by the Tigres last weekend.
Coach Miguel González finds his team in fifth place now, two points behind Cruz Azul and América. The former Real Madrid star’s main concern is a suddenly-stale offense that had scored 15 goals through 6 games.
UNAM’s switch to a two-man attack (Carlos González had been a lone striker for much of the past two seasons) has not been consistently productive. At least they won’t have to deal with stout América defender Bruno Valdez who is on a red-card suspension. The Aguilas back line will also be without Santiago Caceres.
The Pumas midfield will have to cut down on mistakes. If they are not precise with their passes, América will tilt the field their way.
As for coach Miguel Herrera, his battle of wills against forward Roger Martínez has collapsed in the face of multiple injuries. Martínez had been exiled after forcefully seeking a transfer over the winter, but he might get the start against UNAM.
Playmaker Gio dos Santos might be back from injury and Andrés Ibarguen is approaching full fitness. Top striker Fernando Viñas is in fine form and UNAM will be missing central defender Luis Fernando Quintana.
Statistics suggest this will be a low-scoring game (América has just 8 goals in 8 games and is the league’s stingiest defense), but that does not mean this won’t be a high-intensity match. That in itself should ensure that this game provides plenty of fireworks.
the “Clásico Capitalino,”</a> and the country’s oldest derby, Guadalajara vs Atlas, takes place Saturday night at the Estadio Jalisco.</p>
<p>The América-UNAM showdown is a must-see, not only in Mexico City, but across the nation. The Aguilas are Mexico’s second most-popular team (or most-popular, depending on who you ask) and UNAM grads can be found all across the country.</p>
<p>This season’s clash was moved from high noon Sunday to Friday night so that capital authorities can start preparing for Monday’s “National Women’s Strike.”</p>
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<p>Pumas fans and officials are not happy with the league’s decision, believing their traditional start time is an advantage.</p>
<p>A 2-game losing streak is never desirable, but heading into a big rivalry game on a skid is truly bad news. That’s what the Pumas are dealing with right now.</p>
<p>UNAM was in first place after Matchday 6, but then suffered a 2-1 home loss to Morelia before getting pounded 3-0 by the Tigres last weekend.</p>
<p>Coach Miguel González finds his team in fifth place now, two points behind Cruz Azul and América. The former Real Madrid star’s main concern is a suddenly-stale offense that had scored 15 goals through 6 games.</p>
<p>UNAM’s switch to a two-man attack (Carlos González had been a lone striker for much of the past two seasons) has not been consistently productive. At least they won’t have to deal with stout América defender <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/810e6e93/Bruno-Valdez?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bruno Valdez</a> who is on a red-card suspension. The Aguilas back line will also be without Santiago Caceres.</p>
<p>The Pumas midfield will have to cut down on mistakes. If they are not precise with their passes, América will tilt the field their way.</p>
<p>As for coach Miguel Herrera, his battle of wills against forward <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/6f0d613a/Roger-Martinez?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Roger Martínez</a> has collapsed in the face of multiple injuries. <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://en.onefootball.com/roger-martinez-given-second-chance-may-start-against-pumas/">Martínez had been exiled</a> after forcefully seeking a transfer over the winter, but he might get the start against UNAM.</p>
<p>Playmaker Gio dos Santos might be back from injury and Andrés Ibarguen is approaching full fitness. Top striker Fernando Viñas is in fine form and UNAM will be missing central defender <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/d49e5666/Luis-Fernando-Quintana?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Luis Fernando Quintana</a>.</p>
<p>Statistics suggest this will be a low-scoring game (América has just 8 goals in 8 games and is the league’s stingiest defense), but that does not mean this won’t be a high-intensity match. That in itself should ensure that this game provides plenty of fireworks.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Meanwhile, in Guadalajara … </a>
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<img decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-479315" src=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1168248923-850x560.jpeg" alt="Mexico City Guadalajara classics" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Chivas forward <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/f40f4c38/Alexis-Vega?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Alexis Vega</a> (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)</p>
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<h3>Chivas pay visit to Atlas in Guadalajara derby</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/01/matchday-8-notes-cruz-azul-chivas/">disciplinary measures were taken</a> against two the highly touted acquisitions.</p>
<p>Tena revealed earlier this week that <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/8cefbfc1/Cristian-Calderon?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Cristian Calderón</a> and winger <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/a35f5848/Uriel-Antuna?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Uriel Antuna</a> will be on the game roster and could play against Atlas after they were fined and demoted for off-the-field indiscretions.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>As for Atlas fans, they are looking at a long season. The young Zorros have regressed and the veterans up front have been unimpressive.</p>
<p>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 (<a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/eac65ec0/Leandro-Cufre?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Leandro Cufre</a> was fired after only three games) and Rafa Puente has not made a positive impression since taking over.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> Odds and Ends </a>
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<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-479314" src=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fplayingfor90.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1210254563-850x560.jpeg" alt="Mexico City, Guadalajara classics" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">Tijuana players celebrate during the first-leg semifinal match against Toluca. The Xolos will take a 3-0 lead into the return match with a chance to reach their first Copa MX final (Photo by Eduardo Teran/Jam Media/Getty Images)</p>
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<h3>Copa MX leans north; “Chicharito” speaks out</h3>
<p>The first legs of the Copa MX semifinals hint at a Border War in the Finals.</p>
<p>Host Tijuana destroyed Toluca 3-0 as newcomer <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/search/search.fcgi?pid=af31b77b,37fdc62b&search=Brayan+Angulo&utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Brayan Angulo</a> recorded a hat trick for the Xolos. <em>Los Rojinegros</em> must defend their advantage in Toluca on Tuesday, March 10.</p>
<p>If Tijuana holds on, the Xolos will rescue a disappointing Clausura (currently in 16th place) and they will reach their first-ever Copa MX final.</p>
<p>In Ciudad Juárez, <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lfP7f98QSw&feature=onebox%22>the Bravos stunned visiting Monterrey</a> by scoring twice despite playing with only 10 men. Midfielder <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/3032f912/Flavio-Santos?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Flavio Santos</a> was red-carded in minute 79 in a scoreless game just as Monterrey seemed to be getting a bit of momentum.</p>
<p>Darío Lezcano (minute 87) and <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/d1491e00/Diego-Rolan?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Diego Rolán</a> (90+3) unleashed raucous celebrations with a pair of splendid goals. The Bravos head to Monterrey to face the Rayados in the return match on March 11.</p>
<p>Meanwhile, just north of Tijuana, <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/189cee7b/Javier-Hernandez?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Javier Hernández</a> has been making waves.</p>
<p>“Chicharito” has started his MLS career with bombast and heavy media exposure. The popular striker joined the L.A. Galaxy from Sevilla after spending the past 10 years in Europe.</p>
<p>During one of his first press conferences, “Chicharito” declared himself a legend of Mexican soccer. Although he is El Tri’s all-time leading scorer, critics point out that more than half his goals have come in friendlies.</p>
<p>This past week, Hernández took a veiled shot at the Mexican Soccer Federation, questioning the financial management of the national team. This did not sit well with team officials, but reporters were quick to point out several transgressions involving “Chicharito” and El Tri.</p>
<p>The most recent alleged incident occurred last year when the star striker three a team employee under the bus after asking him to cover for home regarding a training camp violation.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Big 4 in Liga MX playoff hunt" data-url="https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/04/power-rankings-big-4-liga-mx-hunt-midseason/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #0" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/04/power-rankings-big-4-liga-mx-hunt-midseason/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Big 4 in Liga MX playoff hunt </a> </div>
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<p>El Universal Deportes speculated that “Chicharito” is desperately trying to get attention since he has fallen out of the pecking order. Mexico manager Gerardo Martino has made it clear that <a href=https://playingfor90.com/2020/03/06/matchday-9-capital-classic-guadalajara-derby/"https://fbref.com/en/players/b561db50/Raul-Jimenez?utm_campaign=Linker&utm_source=direct&utm_medium=linker-%22 target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Raúl Jiménez</a> is his favored striker, while J.J. Macías is the clear No. 2.</p>
<p>Whatever the case, it would seem that “Chicharito” is burning the bridges he needs to cross back into El Tri’s good graces.</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">