Guadalajara's victory against Tigres is not only due to character, to focus on that would be to minimize the excellent footballing traits that Veljko Paunovic's team has shown throughout the preseason in the run-up to the Clausura 2023. Below find the whys and wherefores to explain the comeback at the Volcán.
Points to consider:
- Chivas conditioned the match through pressure.
In the first few minutes of the match, the Rebaño forced the opponent to make mistakes, as the high pressure was very well focused, leaving Tigres no time to make decisions.
However, it is impossible to maintain such a high tempo for so long, so there was a point where Guadalajara had to wait in the middle block and there, too, they looked solid, keeping a good watch on the opponent and showing good criteria when it came to stealing the ball.
- Guadalajaras attack
To defend well, you have to attack well, and that is something that Veljko Paunovic has worked hard on, as Chivas tries to offend the rival at every moment. The passes make a lot of sense, always looking to generate advantages for the receiver and the players away from the action. By the way, we did not want to go further in this analysis without highlighting the way in which Chivas attacks the box, as was seen in the first goal.
On the other hand, we must return to the previous point. Rebaño's organization with the ball is so good that they almost always have optional positioning for their players to press quickly. This last point has a lot of merit, since playing with such a high defensive line entails some risks that Chivas assumes, looking to be an offensive team.
Still, it must be said, during the first half Guadalajara had a hard time generating chances due to badly made decisions in the last third of the field. However, this changed in the second half, as Pauno said in the press conference, some strategic changes were made to improve performance, and that is how it happened.
The introduction of Eduardo Torres not only gave Chiverío the winning goal, he also contributed his striking ability to organize attacks and his stride to break into the spaces left by the feline defense. The change in the game model is being so well digested by the players that a natural midfielder like 'Lalo' adapted wonderfully to playing one step higher than he is used to.
- What does Chivas reflect on the intangibles?
The Sky Cup is a preparation tournament for the Clausura 2023, but all the players have shown something invaluable: Competitiveness.
No matter the opponent, the field or the match, during these 5 weeks of preseason it has been clear the competitive gene that Veljko is looking for in the squad. From the way they look for the win in the last minutes, to the discomfort that some other elements show when something doesn't go well. Chivas wants to win no matter what, without betraying what they work for every day.
Outstanding individual performances against Tigres:
- Isaac Brizuela: He participated in both goals by scoring the first and assisting on the second. In addition, the 'Cone' is very good in individual duels and has been a great partner for the inside back or winger who approaches him on the right flank.
- Fernando Beltrán: The 'Nene' faced Carioca and Pizarro, 2 tremendous midfielders. Even so, Beltrán managed to generate advantages with his passing or driving, making it clear that he is still in great shape for the start of the tournament.
- Pavel Pérez: During the first half he alternated with Zahid Muñoz on the left wing. He was very incisive with his runs behind the defensive line and helped generate progressions with his carries with the ball at his feet. He was a dribbling threat for the opposition, so he always attracted the attention of several defenders.
