With authority and a good soccer performance, Guadalajara sealed their place in the Round of 16 of the CONCACAF Champions Cup 2024 at home, after beating Hamilton Forge FC 5-2 on aggregate. The second leg, which ended with a 2-1 win for Guadalajara, was very similar to the first leg in terms of performance and left a very good feeling in general terms.
3 facts about the Red and White triumph
- Chivas won for the fifth time (3 in Liga MX and 2 in Concachampions).
- José Castillo scored his first goal with Guadalajara's jersey
- There were 6 Red and White players who played all 180 minutes against Hamilton Forge: Rubén González, Oscar Whalley, José Castillo, Eduardo Torres, Antonio Briseño, Jesús Sánchez.
General analysis in 5 points
1. Fernando Gago's team dominated the game from start to finish, as they minimized the risk of counterattacks by taking possession of the ball. In total, Chivas completed 561 passes (91% effectiveness).
2. The Rojiblancos had a great performance in the midfield, as they combined several aspects of the game, which strengthened the rest of the squad. For example, Rubén González and Erick Gutiérrez were very involved at the base of the play, organizing the Rebaño's play, while Eduardo Torres made the most of his shot to set up Cowell or find receivers between the lines.
3. Another highlight was the ball outlets, as both the defenders and Oscar Whalley did their bit to help the Rebaño get off the ball cleanly.
4. The fluidity provided by Ricardo Marín was important, as he was able to vary his movements and support so that Chivas could progress in the final third of the field. In fact, it was he who assisted José Castillo for the second goal.
5. Cade Cowell once again showed his skills in long spaces, as he won several individual duels and was a good tool in deep clearances.
The MVP
- If there was someone who stood out in this match, it was Oscar Whalley. It was not because Chivas suffered in the match, but because when he was called upon, he responded with a lot of confidence, in addition to the fact that his deliveries with his hands and feet were accurate in activating distant receivers and giving Guadalajara new ways out.
