The duel between clubs that share the same colors and the same philosophy of using only players born in the same region or country is getting closer and closer. This Sunday at 12 noon, Chivas will face Athletic Club de Bilbao in the Arbol de Gernika Trophy, a match that raises a lot of expectations due to the good moment that the Rebaño Sagrado is going through and the quality of the team from the Basque country.
What is the Árbol de Gernika Trophy and why is it being held?
Athletic Club is about to celebrate its 125th anniversary of its founding, an event that commemorates the validity and the roots of a unique identity in the world of soccer, which is why Bilbao has organized the Trofeo Árbol de Gernika against an equally unique team: the Chivas Rayadas del Guadalajara, which only plays with Mexicans.
The trophy was agreed to in a double match. The first was won by Athletic Club 2-0 in San Mamés 6 months ago and this Sunday the second leg will be played at the Fortaleza Rojiblanca. It is worth mentioning that there is NO aggregate score, so the Rebaño just needs to win the match to force a penalty shootout, which will define the winner of the first edition of this cup.
What is the current situation for both teams?
Chivas will go into the match as the overall leader of Liga MX, having won all 3 of their matches in the Apertura 2023. Veljko Paunovic has already anticipated that he will take advantage of the match against the Basques to give Erick Gutiérrez, our new reinforcement, his first minutes as a red and white player, as well as the return of Alexis Vega, who has overcome his injury.
Athletic Club, meanwhile, is in the most intense phase of its preseason and is finalizing details for the start of the 2023-2024 Spanish League season. Last season, the team coached by Ernesto Valverde finished in eighth place in the standings.
Athletic Club's stars
Imagine being able to watch live players from one of the best leagues in the world. The passing and inventiveness of Íker Muniain, the aggressiveness and unmarking skills of Iñaki Williams, the explosion and dribbling of Nico Williams, the experience of Raúl García, the tremendous footwork of Unai Simón and the intelligence of Ander Herrera.
In addition to all the soccer context, the day and the schedule lend themselves to live a very family atmosphere for the spectacle. Let's support Guadalajara together in this highly demanding match, buy your tickets now at the stadium box office or on the Boletomóvil APP and website. Take advantage of the 3x2 promotion on all seats!
