C.D. Guadalajara (widely known as Chivas) drew 0-0 with Pachuca in what was a feisty affair in which clear chances were at a premium as both teams battled hard in midfield. As the game progressed, Pachuca began to control proceedings but were for the most part limited to shots from range or putting crosses into the solid Chivas defensive partnership. Meanwhile, Chivas looked dangerous on the counter attack and played some good football as they tried to play through the thirds but rarely threatened the opposition goal. In the end, a draw was probably a fair result in a game where both teams were unable to pose a constant attacking threat.
Chivas set up in a 4-2-3-1 formation that looked to use pace on the break and isolate the wingers against the opposition full backs, At times the wingers would drop too deep when defending leaving the striker isolated and they seemed to lack a cutting edge in the final third despite showing promise in their build up play. They made it too easy for the Pachuca defence by playing in front of them and failing to make enough runs in behind and as a result the midfield became very crowded with little room for creativity. However, they were generally very solid defensively and tried to play out from the back when possible.
Ratings
- A1 – Very good, could play higher
- A2 – Strong potential to play higher
- B1 – Good, strong player at level
- B2 – Potential to be strong player at level
- C – Average for the level, rewatch
- D – Below average in this match
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 22
- Date of birth: 08/05/1998
- Current Club: C.D. Guadalajara
- Career: Atlante (Y), C.D. Guadalajara
- Position: Central Midfield
- Secondary Position: Defensive Midfield
- Preferred foot: Right
Fernando Beltran played a key role for his team both in attacking and defensive phases of play. Beltran was at the centre or base of almost every positive attacking play from Chivas, often making unspectacular yet clever passes to his teammates to ensure that his side’s build up play maintained a high tempo. Beltran dictated the speed with which his team played, showing willingness to drop deep and collect the ball from the central defenders or push higher and link up with the forwards. In possession he was composed and showed a good level of vision to make switches or passes into the striker’s feet. He was an elegant player on the ball, displaying quality technique when necessary to make progressive passes or set piece deliveries, but he did not force the ball forward if there was not a clear option and he was happy to go sideways or backwards.
The 22 year old was also able to glide past players on occasion with the ball at his feet and had a low centre of gravity which helped when changing direction. His excellent close control and passing also made him quite press resistant, making some smart turns to get out of trouble whilst showing good awareness. Beltran did make one or two loose passes, overhitting a through ball and firing a very hard passing the striker which made it hard to control, but overall he was confident, composed and effective in possession at the heart of the Chivas midfield.
Standing at just 5’4 and with an average build, the Mexican is not a physical presence in the middle of the park, but worked incredibly hard for his team. He tracked back constantly when his team was dispossessed and was aggressive in challenges when trying to win the ball back, making one or two effective slide tackles. However, he was beaten on a couple of occasions and in his eagerness to win the ball back he committed a foul that resulted in him receiving a yellow card. His defensive positioning was adequate for the most part and this allowed him to cover for his teammates and nip in front of his opponent to win the ball, using his close control to retain possession.
On the whole, Beltran had an impressive match in midfield and was one of his team’s standout performers, rarely giving the ball away whilst being very instrumental in the build up play.
Rating – A1
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 20
- Date of birth: 22/09/1999
- Current Club: C.D. Guadalajara
- Career: C.D. Guadalajara, Club Leon (L)
- Position: Striker
- Preferred foot: Right
JJ Macias showed his potential at times in this game, despite failing to have many chances on goal and finding himself quite isolated. His hold up play was effective with his back to goal, showing good control to keep the ball before laying it off or winning a foul. At 5’10” and with a fairly slim build, Macias lacks a bit of physicality but used his body well to retain possession and attacked aerial balls aggressively to win headers. He made some clever turns, showing good awareness of where the defender was and also used clever improvisation on one occasion to keep the ball in the air before spinning and volleying just off target.
When Macias did make runs in behind he looked threatening but his control when running on to through balls sometimes let him down and allowed the ball get away from him. Furthermore, he didn’t make enough of those runs in order to stretch the opposition defence and instead preferred to drop and join in the build up play, leaving his team without a focal point. He made some sharp passes out wide but rarely had much in front of him and so ended up primarily having to hold up play and go backwards. The Mexican’s game as an attacking force was summed up late on when he linked up well and showed good skill only to then lash his shot over the bar from 20 yards.
Defensively the 20 year old was smart was pressing. He cut passing lanes, therefore forcing the defenders to go wide, which allowed him to dictate to which side of the pitch they tried to play through. He was aggressive in challenges and made some promising turnovers in midfield but for the most part once again found himself quite isolated as the rest of the team sat deeper in their own half. Despite being of average height and build, Macias defended well at the front post from set pieces, making some strong headed clearances to help his team.
Overall, Chivas’ centre forward displayed promising signs, holding up the ball effectively and showing good attacking instincts in a game where good chances were few and far between. Though he perhaps could have made more runs in behind in order to stretch the defence and leave more room for the midfielders to operate.
Rating – A2
Player profile:
- Nationality: Mexican
- Age: 21
- Date of birth: 04/02/1999
- Current Club: C.D Guadalajara
- Career: C.D. Guadalajara
- Position: Centre Back
- Preferred foot: Right
Sepulveda put on a very solid defensive display as Chivas managed to keep a clean sheet and generally restrict Pachuca to efforts from range. He was brave in defence, making some excellent blocks to prevent potentially dangerous shots and crosses as well as making some very strong tackles to win possession for his side.
The 6 foot central defender has a sturdy build which allows him to compete physically in every challenge. He won some important defensive headers from set pieces and long balls as the Chivas defence stood firm even when Pachuca were on the front foot for long periods. However, the 21 year old’s body position was sometimes quite strange, as once or twice rather than have both the ball and his man in sight, he completely turned his back on the ball to mark the attacker. He also overcommitted once which led to him being beaten and having to make a foul.
With the ball, Sepulveda rarely drove out from defence and opted to make short sideways passes to either the full back or centre back instead. However, he did not seem too consistent when attempting much beyond that, allowing himself to be pressed into his own corner and making a poor pass that was cut out in midfield. However, some of his more progressive passes did come off when searching for the striker or midfielders.
Overall, Sepulveda was a rock at the back for the majority of the game, but needs to add a bit more composure and consistency to his passing in order to develop based on this performance.
Rating – A2
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