Beauty and the eye of the beholder

“There is no definition of beauty, but when you can see someone's spirit coming through, something unexplainable, that's beautiful to me”.
- Liv Tyler

Far from pretty, but Marcelo Michel and a revamped Chivas got the job done. Don’t get me wrong. The three nil W in the season opener in front of the home crowd is nothing to be sneezed at, but truth be told, the only thing that would put a true seal of approval on the 2022 Chivas would be a string of victories coupled with consistent, concise and aggressive game play.

Comments on social media ranged from the magnanimous to the miserly. Such was the impact that the victory left on our collective Chiva-Conciousness that visions of the mythical Thirteenth Cup started to flash before our eyes. Too soon. Too soon mis compadres y comadres.

I insist. Muy pronto para echar las Campanas al Vuelo. Too soon for us to start ringing the bells of victory. It was a good win but there were moments where the shadow of the past few seasons reared its ugly head above the pitch. Especially in the first minutes of the second half, 15 minutes of bad passing and bad timing. 15 minutes that had my scalp prickling.

Fortunately for our cause, Marcelo readjusted and the lads started pressing up top again, fast recoup and counter. Control reacquired, the Mazatlecan Gunners were overwhelmed and out matched, the rest of the game played out without incidence and the over 20,000 present and the millions watching worldwide were able to breathe again.

As I said, It weren’t pretty but the job got done. Chivas were able to envelop the Gunners in their game, not allowing the Morados a chance to react. Marcelo and his Red and Whites did the one most important thing which has been lacking in Chivas for the last couple of seasons. Seasons where the team have constantly found themselves playing defensive, reactionary futbol. This time the feet were well planted and the push was offensive. This time El Rebaño took the fight to the Gunners.

‘Cone’ Brizuela in an interview early in the week said it best: “We need to keep playing well and maintain our focus. We need to reconnect with our fan base. Just hearing the crowd chant ‘Mi corazon, pintado tricolor…’ put us in the right mood to go on and win the match.

In closing, it remains to be seen if Chivas will be able to remain constant and incisive. The first step is always an important one but the steps that follow will be the decisive ones. We saw the Chiva spirit peek through, combative and alegre. The Chivas we want to see. The Chivas we deserve.

Words, my friends, se las lleva el viento. It is best to speak softly and carry a big stick. Chivas has shown that they have finally found the stick. Now they need to use it.