Guadalajara started the Apertura 2023 on the right foot, but beyond the three points obtained, the fact that they overcame the current CONCACAF champions has extra merit. Here’s an X-ray of Chivas' victory in the #BonitoLeónRojiblanco.
The plan is not always linear
Chivas showed different intentions in both halves of the game. At the start of the match, it was very noticeable that they sought to accelerate the game with runs behind the defensive line, where Ricardo Marín was very attentive to compete and try to leave the second line players in their faces. The Rebaño even came close to scoring a goal on a couple of occasions.
For the second half, Chivas resorted to pressing more intensely and quickly. This was in an attempt to prevent León from creating long sequences of passes and to be able to steal the ball further up the pitch. In fact, Chivas' second goal came from a steal by 'Nene' Beltrán, who unseen, set up 'Pocho' Guzmán.
Knowing how to suffer in order to get used to winning
It's a fact that it wasn't Guadalajara's best match, as they lacked fluidity with the ball and lacked that possession at key moments, preventing León from generating dangerous plays. However, the Rebaño showed Big Team character, defending their area and resisting the home team's attacks.
For Pauno's Chivas, winning has become a regular occurrence, which is why opponents are now much more aggressive in their initial plans.
Take a careful look at the following point. Suffering is not the ideal way to get results and Veljko Paunovic is aware of this, so in the post-match press conference he was self-critical and acknowledged that the team must redouble its efforts to improve the version shown against the Esmeraldas.
On Pitch Leaders
At this point, we will focus on 3 elements: Antonio Briseño, Fernando Beltrán and Víctor Guzmán.
The 'Pollo' is becoming more and more decisive, not only in defending the area and protecting the air traffic in the box, he has also taken a step forward with the ball. He helps in game construction and gets involved in the red and white attack. The goal scored is a clear consequence of his contribution.
El 'Pocho' was involved in setting up both goals, the second of them with a direct assist, which reaffirms his influence mirrored directly on the scoreboard. Since his arrival, he has taken a leading role in the Rebaño.
For his part, 'Nene' ended up with the captain's badge after Guzmán's departure. Although he did not participate much in the first half hour of the game, his contribution in the closing stages of the match was very good. He stole many balls by purely being on location and was also who started the play ending in the second goal.
The Cantera Rojiblanca did its thing
Veljko Paunovic gave their debut to 3 players against the reigning CONCACAF champion. This is no small feat, as the youngsters had a positive impact on the team's performance right from the start.
Yael Padilla made the dream debut for any player by scoring the winning goal. For his part, Jesús Brigido made a timely intervention on the inside and came within a whisker of registering his first assist, but Pocho's shot crashed against the left post, while Raúl Martínez came on to strengthen the central defense in the final minutes of the match.
