If there is one thing that has stood out about Guadalajara throughout the Clausura 2024, it is the way they plan their matches. The Matchday 5 game against Atlético San Luis left very positive things for the Rebaño, who, in addition to taking the three points as visitors, managed to create good sensations on the field of play.
The game plan
Fernando Gago said at the end of the game: "The plan was to control the match, we didn't want to have many transitions". And Guadalajara fulfilled their task: they minimized the risks after losing the ball. Faced with a team like Atlético de San Luis, which has very dangerous players in the open field, it was essential not to give them an advantage in that situation, so the lineup and the plan were perfectly aligned with the objective.
Ricardo Marín's entry can be explained by his characteristics, as he is a player with good conditions to retain the ball and support his teammates. In this match, the objective was not to attack the back of the defense or to attack certain intervals: the plan indicated that we had to move slowly to minimize mistakes, and this was the perfect fit for the Rebaño's 19th player.
Another of the things that Chivas did well was to press the Potosinos, who are quite clear about that phase of the game. Gago's team blocked the closest passing lines, forcing them to compromise passes or split the ball. The latter also suited Guadalajara, who counted on the presence of 'Pollo' in aerial balls.
The determining elements
Little has been said about the work of the Chivas full backs, who had a great influence with and without the ball. Mateo Chávez was very good with his receptions to the inside, while Mozo also showed great dribbling and ball control skills, which helped the Guadalajara team to progress more comfortably in the Potosí field.
Another of the things that Chivas did well was to direct attacks outwards, so both full-backs had a lot of work to do in individual duels against Atlético San Luis' wingers. In fact, both had a high score in the match, as they managed to win many of these confrontations without the need to commit an infraction.
Conclusions
- Guadalajara looks very mature in crucial stages of matches, as they are able to lengthen possessions and kill the rhythm of their opponents. Yesterday, with a 0-2 lead, they never lost control of the game, even with the intense and high pressure of the Potosinos.
- The players are becoming more and more settled to Fernando Gago's model of play. With and without the ball, there is a great connection between all the players, who are always alert to any situation.
- Gago's field management has been extraordinary, and after five games in the tournament, he usually hits the right key to rearrange the course of the match, either with substitutions or with adjustments to the slate.
The highlights
- Víctor Guzmán: The 'Pocho' found the goal again and that is great news, as the Rebaño captain will gain confidence after the double that earned the three points for the Chiverío.
- Fernando Beltrán: The 'Nene' gave a great performance without the ball, as he stole many balls in his own field and showed enough interpretation to cut off several advances by the Potosinos. He was good with the ball and came close to scoring on 2 occasions.
- Antonio Briseño: The 'Pollo' won everything over the top and was fine when covering Alan Mozo's back. With the ball, he also completed many deliveries that helped Chivas progress.
