Guadalajara's last match of the regular phase of the Apertura 2023 is coming up and it is set to be a thriller, as Pumas is a direct rival in the general standings and the result of this match, corresponding to the last date of the tournament, will define the future of both teams with a view to the Quarterfinals.
What must Chivas do to aspire to beat UNAM?
The Universitarios focus much of their play on the flanks, thanks to the explosiveness of 'Toto' Salvio and 'Chino' Huerta, who seek to supply aerial balls to their teammates Juan Dinenno and Gabriel Fernández, who normally look for the ball on the outside, given their individual characteristics.
For Chivas it will be key to replicate what they showed in the second half against Cruz Azul. An extraordinary behavior without the ball and a lot of fluidity with it, in addition to taking advantage of everything Alvarado brings when he appears on the inside. Another valuable point was the emergence of Yael Padilla on the wing and the spectacular performance of Raúl Martínez in the construction of the game. We must not forget to mention that Ricardo Marín will be back and due to his condition, he can bring a lot of mobility to Guadalajara's attack.
In addition, today more than ever, Chivas will need their center backs to impose themselves in all aerial duels, as the Universitarios have great power in this area.
How do they look coming into this match of Matchday 17?
CHIVAS
- Fourth place in league standings with 27 points.
- 22 goals scored.
- 21 goals conceded.
- Chivas has not lost in its last 3 away games, winning 2 and drawing 1.
- El Rebaño has won 4 of its last 5 games in the competition.
- Veljko Paunovic has reached 20 wins at the helm of the Rebaño in a calendar year and has equaled the record set by 'Tuca' Ferreti in 1997.
- Roberto Alvarado is the team's top scorer with 6 goals and accumulates 25 successful offensive handballs.
- Alan Mozo is the Liga MX player with the most crosses into the box with 65; he is also the second most effective in 1 vs 1 defensemen with 37.
PUMAS
- Fifth place overall with 25 points.
- 26 goals scored.
- 18 goals conceded.
- The Universitarios are the third best defense in the tournament.
- César Huerta is their top scorer with 8 goals.
- Pumas tends to be a possession-splitting team, averaging 49.5% so far in the tournament.
