It is no secret that Guadalajara closed the regular phase of the Clausura 2023 in great fashion. In addition to the 4-1 win over Mazatlán, the connection between the team and the fans inside and outside Akron Stadium was outstanding.
In addition to the invaluable support of the ChivaHermanos, what were the keys to the victory?
We will divide the analysis into 3 parts that can perfectly explain the performance of the Rebaño Sagrado:
1. Chivas is a team with a recognizable playing style.
Mazatlan was the worst defense of the tournament, yes, but Guadalajara did their job and took advantage of every opportunity that came their way.
It was a foregone conclusion before the game that Veljko Paunovic would set up the game based on the Sinaloans' weaknesses, so we saw a fluid Guadalajara capable of organizing the game with ease.
One of the tools that the Rebaño have improved is the way in which they charge the area, as it is not only the task of the false 9 or the wing attackers, but also the inside players look more dangerous in this aspect. A clear example of this is Victor Guzmán, who is a brutal finisher and has been boosted by the system so that he is constantly arriving in the box.
2. Players who reach their best level at the end of the tournament.
It is here we must highlight Cristian Calderón, who played his best game of the season against Mazatlán. He was very good in short associations with Alexis Vega and Víctor Guzmán, in addition to providing excellent clearances to different areas to become a receiver with a lot of advantage. A clear example of this is Brizuela's goal.
Alexis Vega leaves us without adjectives. He is becoming more and more decisive in final passes and vital in dribbling. It seems that the great system that surrounds him has taken away the responsibility of being the competitive discourse and he has become a valuable resource. It seems that he never got injured, he is at the best level of his career, showing himself as a total player.
Fernando Beltrán delighted the Akron stand with a goal and an assist. He invaded wide areas to generate numerical and positional advantages on all sides, which benefited Guadalajara who were looking to transcend against a low block.
3. Chivas is a team prepared for any scenario
Throughout the Clausura 2023, Chivas has faced any type of opponent, system of play and circumstances. They have lost the lead, come from behind, scored goals that were difficult to digest, faced opponents that absorb a lot of possession, clashed against low blocks, etc.
Whatever the situation, the team has always shown a significant improvement. Both in soccer organization and mentally. Today, Guadalajara is convinced that it is capable of anything, as each setback has made it focus more on getting stronger.
The group is full of players who have suffered painful blows wearing this jersey, so there is no doubt that they are ready to face what is to come in the Liguilla and are ready to experience memorable nights. Together with their people, united, we are sure that our red and white players will be able to achieve great things.
