The moment of truth is pretty close. Guadalajara has a huge challenge ahead this Sunday at the Jalisco Stadium, where it must win by a two-goal margin to advance to the Semifinals of the Clausura 2022 season. Despite losing in the first leg, Chivas showed some positive arguments in that match, so here are some of the facts that could have a decisive influence on the final clash of this series.
1. Set the inside players free
In the first leg, both Fernando Beltran and Pavel Perez struggled to link up in midfield, as Atlas used Edgar Zaldivar and Jeremy Marquez as markers close to El Rebaño's inside midfielders, making it difficult for them to set up passing circuits inside. However, both midfielders found a way to make the Red & Black players uncomfortable, as Pavel invaded the right flank, where he was more involved, while 'Nene' had a great second half as he began to command Chivas' possessions from the deep.
A key point for the second leg will be Sergio Flores, who showed that he will be very useful for Ricardo Cadena's team, as he could find the attackers more frequently with his low passes between the lines. It has not yet been decided if he will be a starter, but without a doubt his job will add to the red & white stability on the midfield.
2. Winning second plays
A big part of Los Zorros' game idea is based on connecting long with Julio Furch or Julian Quiñones, who regularly try to unload with the teammate in front or control the ball and turn around. In fact, the 2 goals that Guadalajara conceded were scored in this way, as Marquez was attentive to the rebounds and was able to score.
What can be done to counteract this? The first thing is to keep winning the aerial duels; 'Chiquete', Mier and 'Tiba' regularly beat the rival attackers. Then, El Chiverío's midfielders or wingers must be attentive to the rebounds resulting from this kind of plays, so there must not be any moment of relax among the red and white players.
3. Take advantage of the back of the 5-a-side line
On more than 1 time, Chivas found dangerous opportunities behind the backs of the rival defenders, an example of this situation is the man to man situation between 'Chicote' and Camilo Vargas.
Alexis Vega and Roberto Alvarado are very active in their moves, both when dropping to the flanks and when unmarked in the intervals between center backs, so passes to these empty zones will be a valuable tool for the Rebaño. Another resource to take into account is Calderon, who with his aggressive run of play could arrive by surprise to finish plays.
Would using a center forward make a difference? If JJ Macias gets some action, he could help threaten from the front, as he is a great striker and would have the opportunity to make the most of the opportunities generated in the final third. On the other hand, Angel Zaldivar would be added to fight one-on-one with the central defenders, in addition to offering support to make the red and white possessions go deep.
