Clásico Nacional: Pressure Mounts for Milito
America and Chivas are set to face off in a crucial match that could shape the course of the tournament for both teams and potentially determine Gabriel Milito’s immediate future as Chivas’ coach.
Under André Jardine, America has dominated the recent history of Clásicos Nacionales, boasting five wins and three draws in the last ten encounters. Moreover, America has not conceded a goal from Chivas in their last six meetings. On the other hand, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández’s performance for Chivas continues to face criticism, as he has only scored twice in 29 games since his return.
Milito remains confident in his team’s progress, acknowledging that individual errors have cost them points. He stated, “We are convinced we’re on the right path, and I will not give up for anything.” However, another loss might open the door to a coaching change, with names like Diego Alonso and Juan Carlos Osorio being mentioned as possible replacements.
Key Points of Jornada 8
- America aims to maintain pressure on Monterrey, who will visit Querétaro on Sunday.
- Cruz Azul and Rayados seek to extend their winning streaks, while Atlas and Santos aim to break historical droughts.
- Milito’s position is precarious; a loss in the Clásico could end his tenure in Guadalajara.
- Key players to watch are Allan Saint-Maximin for America and Ángel Correa for Tigres, both in top form.
Complete Schedule for Saturday
- Pachuca vs. Cruz Azul at Estadio Hidalgo at 17:00 hrs, available on FOX. Cruz Azul arrives with five consecutive victories and an unbeaten streak of 14 games at home. Pachuca, having lost only once in their last ten home games, will attempt to halt Cruz Azul’s momentum.
- Tigres vs. León at Estadio Universitario at 19:00 hrs, available on Canal 7 and FOX. Tigres counts on Ángel Correa’s inspiration, who has scored in the last three games. León arrives with a strong record as visitors, having accumulated seven points in their last nine games.
- Atlas vs. Santos at Estadio Jalisco at 19:00 hrs, available on VIX. Atlas seeks to end a nine-game winless streak, while Santos, who hasn’t won as visitors in 23 matches, sees this game as an opportunity for both.
- Toluca vs. Puebla at Estadio Nemesio Diez at 21:00 hrs, available on FOX. Toluca flaunts a 14-game streak of scoring at least one goal, while Puebla has nine draws in their last ten away games. The scales seem to favor Toluca.
- America vs. Chivas – Clásico Nacional at Estadio Ciudad de los Deportes at 21:15 hrs, available on Canal 5 and TUDN. The main event of the day: America arrives undefeated, with Saint-Maximin as the fan favorite and Luis Ángel Malagón celebrating his 100th Liga MX game. Chivas, with only four points in six games, needs a win to climb out of the relegation zone and salvage Milito’s project.
Sunday Matchups and Times
- Querétaro vs. Monterrey at Estadio La Corregidora at 17:00 hrs, available on FOX. Monterrey aims for their seventh consecutive win and maintain the lead against Querétaro, who are fighting for their Liga MX survival.
- Atlético de San Luis vs. Tijuana at Estadio Alfonso Lastras at 19:00 horas, available on ESPN and Disney+. Joao Pedro seeks to increase his goal tally to keep Atlético de San Luis in the playoff contention, while Xolos arrives with five games unbeaten.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of this America vs. Chivas match? This Clásico Nacional could significantly impact both teams’ tournament progress and potentially determine Gabriel Milito’s future as Chivas’ coach.
- Who has the upper hand in recent Clásicos? Under André Jardine, America has dominated the recent history of Clásicos Nacionales, with five wins and three draws in the last ten encounters.
- What are the key points of Jornada 8? Teams aim to maintain pressure on Monterrey, extend winning streaks, and break historical droughts. Milito’s position is precarious, with a loss in the Clásico potentially ending his tenure.
- Who are the players to watch in Jornada 8? Allan Saint-Maximin for America and Ángel Correa for Tigres are in top form and key players to watch.
