The match against Xolos was not an easy test for Chivas, however, thanks to the team's decisiveness and good work in defense, they were able to overcome the challenge successfully and beat the Fronterizos 2-1 on Matchday 7 of the Clausura 2023.
Before continuing, it should be noted that Guadalajara is in fifth place overall with 12 points and is the second best defense in the tournament, having only allowed 6 goals in 7 matches.
How did the match go?
Veljko Paunovic rotated the squad, the Rebaño will play 3 matches in a period of 7 days. There were several changes in the starting 11, which complicated Guadalajara's organization with the ball, but these adjustments surprised the Xolos defense and helped to generate some dangerous chances.
Tijuana did not propose much with the ball, as they waited in a low block and tried to do damage by counterattacking, mainly through Alexis Canelo and Fernando Valenzuela.
How did Guadalajara manage to do damage?
There were several shots close to the front that put Miguel Herrera's team in trouble, but the plays that ended in penalties came from combinations on the wing. The first penalty was on Ronaldo, who received on the left, cut inside and was brought down, while the second goal came from the right, with a cross from Alan Mozo that ended up in the domain of Pavel Pérez, who negotiated the second penalty.
How much did the changes help?
The introduction of Eduardo Torres was vital in obtaining the three points, as he helped increase the rhythm of Guadalajara's possessions. He also charged into the box on several occasions and came within a whisker of scoring his goal.
On the other hand, Alan Mozo, Pavel Pérez and Carlos Cisneros came off the bench and revolutionized Chivas. Mozo helped generate width, Pavel to change the pace and dribble rivals and Cisneros to give extra tools with his striking.
Highlights:
Víctor Guzmán: 'Pocho' showed his leadership at all times during the match, beyond scoring the 2 goals, he was a constant channel of communication for Paunovic and the players. In addition, Guzmán changed attacking direction and provided the pause that the team needed.
Gilberto Orozco: Veljko Paunovic is someone who cares about the small details, so on Wednesday night, Chiquete was one of his main elements. The Rebaño center back did not go into the box on set pieces, as he was tasked with containing Alexis Canelo on counterattacks and performed impeccably.
Ronaldo Cisneros: Despite having a different role to his usual one, the Guadalajara attacker was fine in his first-time support and leave the second line players facing him, in addition to his good interventions going inside with the ball. He even came close to scoring after breaking free and receiving a pass from Alvarado, but his shot was deflected by the defense.
