America vs. Chivas: Odds, Preview, Live Stream, TV Info
Sep 28, 2019
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - SEPTEMBER 08: Palma Morrison #198 of Club America controls the ball in front of Miguel Ponce #16 of Chivas de Guadalajara during the Super Clasico game at Soldier Field on September 08, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
Club America will host the latest edition of El Super Clasico on Saturday against Chivas Guadalajara at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
The Eagles are the favourites ahead of the clash after a terrible campaign for the Goats.
Chivas have won only three games in the Liga MX this season, which triggered the sacking of coach Tomas Boy after only five months in charge.
America are placed in fifth and positioned to qualify for the Clausura, but they cannot afford a defeat to their historical rivals.
Odds: America 83-100, Chivas 17-5, draw 13-5 (per Caesars)
Preview
Chivas will journey from Guadalajara to the capital after appointing Luis Fernando Tena on Thursday as their new manager.
The 61-year-old will begin his tenure against the club he managed from 2006-07.
Chivas released a statement about the arrival of "El Flaco" (h/t Tom Marshall of ESPN): "The club confides that the experience, fortitude, and knowledge of 'Flaco' in managing players will be a boost from this moment to return the 'Rabano Sagrado' to the historical position that its tradition and supporters demand."
The away side have won only once in their last five, are 18th in the relegation table and lost 4-2 to Pachuca last time out.
America could only muster a 2-2 draw with Queretaro in their previous game at the Aztec Stadium, but they will like their chances against a Chivas team in full transition.
The hosts have struggled to produce a winning run since the start of the season and are without a victory in their last six, having drawn five and lost once. Their last league victory came on August 18 in a 1-0 win over Monarcas Morelia.
Worryingly for the home side, they do not have any forwards in goalscoring form. Meanwhile, Chivas' Alan Pulido has five goals for the season—and the 28-year-old scored on Wednesday against Pachuca.
Tena's arrival could be the key differential in the match, and a fresh face pulling the strings from the dugout might have a profound effect.
Chivas Beats Toronto FC in Shootout to Win 2018 CONCACAF Champions League Final
Apr 26, 2018
ZAPOPAN, MEXICO - APRIL 25: Team of Chivas scelebrates with the champion trophy after the second leg match of the final between Chivas and Toronto FC as part of CONCACAF Champions League 2018 at Akron Stadium on April 25, 2018 in Zapopan, Mexico. (Photo by Hector Vivas/Getty Images)
Chivas Guadalajara beat Toronto FC 4-2 on penalties in the second leg of the CONCACAF Champions League final on Wednesday at the Estadio Akron after the match finished with an aggregate score of 3-3.
The Major League Soccer side recorded a 2-1 win on the night thanks to goals from Jozy Altidore and Sebastian Giovinco. It scored after Orbelin Pineda handed Chivas a 3-1 aggregate lead with his opener, but the Canadian team fell short in the shootout.
Chivas scored with all four of its spot-kicks, but misses from Toronto's Jonathan Osorio and Michael Bradley proved costly.
The competition's official Twitter account provided highlights of the absorbing contest:
Because of several injuries, Toronto started the game with a centre-back pairing of right-back Gregory van der Wiel and midfielder Bradley, and Chivas capitalized early on. It looked to be in a comfortable position on home turf when Rodolfo Pizarro slipped Pineda in after 18 minutes.
Toronto had turned things around before half-time, however. Altidore slotted home after Chivas failed to clear its lines following a corner, while Giovinco struck with a low effort.
The Mexican side were fortunate not to be a man down after the break when Michael Perez appeared to punch Giovinco off the ball. Chivas was also denied by the post when substitute Jose de Jesus Godinez crashed an effort on goal.
Toronto should have sealed a late win when Giovinco picked out Marky Delgado in space, but the midfielder sent the gilt-edged chance over the bar, and Bradley's decisive penalty went the same way.
Goal USA's Ives Galarcep singled him out for praise despite the miss, while ESPN FC's Tom Marshall reflected on Toronto's impressive campaign:
Michael Bradley has never been known as a great penalty taker, but that didn't stop him from stepping up to take the pressure kick. Plenty will have fun with his latest stumble, but fact remains he was outstanding all tournament and immense during the 90 minutes tonight.
This season’s @thechampions will be hard to live up to next year. A lot of the credit for that goes to @torontofc. TFC have redefined perceptions of @mls in Mexico this season. Giovinco applauded as he won the top player award #ligamxeng#cclfever
The win represents Chivas' first Champions League title since triumphing in the inaugural tournament in 1962, and it continued Liga MX's domination of the competition.
A Mexican side has won each of the last 13 finals, while MLS has not had a winner since Los Angeles Galaxy in 2000.
