“I love the man that can smile in trouble, that can gather strength from distress and grow brave by reflection. ’Tis the business of little minds to shrink, but he whose heart is firm and whose conscience approves his conduct, will pursue his principles unto death”.
- Thomas Paine
We have been visited by rough times, my friends. Rough times have fallen upon our beloved Club Deportivo Guadalajara.
Rough times seem to be the norm in our recent history. It seems we have not been able to get it right. The right combo to take us to the other side where the sun falls differently. Where the grass is greener. None of the soothsayers have made their mark or changed our tomorrows, getting Chivas back on track.
Still, time is the ointment for all hurts. Time and planning. Both things we are short of. 3 more games to make up for mistakes which have pushed the club to the border of exclusion from yet another Liguilla (playoffs) and that ever elusive thirteenth Copa. 3 more 'finals' to make it to the other side. After beating Cruz Azul, the second one comes tonight.
Xolos, a rock in our cleets, The Topsy Turvy Xolos de Tijuana. Yes! Yes! Xolos are finishing up a horrible season, currently positioned in 15th place with 16 points, right under the radar for playoff contention. Yes, Xolos in one of their poorest seasons in memory, will most probably try and make it a Black Tuesday on the Pitch of the Akron.
In the short, Guadalajara vs TJ rivalry it’s plain to see that the history between Chivas and Xolos leans heavily in favor of the team from the north border. In the 11 years since their inclusion in the Liga MX, it would seem that the Gods of the Pre-Hispanic Underworld favor the hairless pups over the once powerful heirs to the Campeonísimo. In the 23 occasions that Chivas and Xolos have faced off since 2011, Guadalajara have won 6, tied 6 and lost a whopping 11 matches.
But faith, my friends, will be the last to leave the room. I am going to wait for 'the Fat lady to sing' and no matter the outcome I will sing with her the ancient odes to the Red and White Lines. We remain, fists raised in defiance until the end with El Rebaño Sagrado. Today we fight tooth and nail not only for 3 points but also for the Red and White Honor. This is the Chiva Way.
