Chivas and Pumas Draw 1-1

Mexican night, a day of celebration and debut for Chivas with their new uniform, but a paternity that remains unbroken. Pumas had it in their hands but a Chivas academy player said no. Guadalajara and Pumas drew 1-1 on Tapatio soil and the capital team continues without knowing victory against Chivas in this city for 35 years.

The home team started better. The high pressure is back, intensity and overwhelming the opponent. Qualities that led them to the title in May and that have been a hallmark since Matías Almeyda arrived as coach two years ago. Carlos Fierro had the first chance in the 8th minute with a missed shot.

The figure of Alfredo Saldívar did not take long to appear. José Juan Vázquez shot from the edge of the area after a rebound and forced the university goalkeeper to work, but he managed to send the ball out for a corner with both hands.

Not even half an hour had passed and the "Pollo" (Chicken) was already crucial under Pumas' three posts. Chivas' dominance was such that Oswaldo Alanís appeared in the opposing field to put the ball into the heart of the area. Ángel Zaldívar headed the ball, but Alfredo dived to prevent their goal from falling.

Pumas, who had not generated any danger and had been stuck in their own half for almost the entire game, found a golden opportunity before halftime. Rodolfo Cota and a gross error in a weak header opened the door for Gerardo Alcoba who poked the ball when Chivas' goalkeeper let it slip, breaking the curse at the 34th minute.

By the way, Chivas' social media campaign to avoid the "shout" during the opposing goalkeeper's clearance did little good. Not even the local reminder every time Saldívar made a clearance was enough to change the offensive shout in favor of Mexico.

When it came to football, things didn't change much for the second half. Pumas sought to score a counterattack goal that would allow them to increase their lead, while Matías Almeyda's team found Saldívar time and time again when they tried to equalize.

The pressure was such that even Rodolfo Pizarro tried a header in the 58th minute. UNAM was unable to move past the midfield with the ball under control. Almeyda made changes and got the result sooner than expected.

Jesús Godínez became the hero, in just his fourth match in the First Division he unleashed madness in the 61st minute. The academy player found the loose ball after a series of rebounds, his right-footed shot didn't give Saldívar time to react, as he only followed the path of the ball with his eyes. He placed it in the top corner and ran to the bench. His first goal in the top league was a great goal and gave life to Chivas.

By the way, good news with Carlos Cisneros. The midfielder came on as a substitute, and his return to the field is official. His last appearance was in November of last year during the Quarterfinals tie between Guadalajara and América.

Godínez himself had a chance for a second goal moments later. Michael Pérez, one of the best on the field, stole the ball in the center and left the young player alone, only for him to not know how to finish against Saldívar and give the defense time to recover and clear the ball.

Even "Chelo" Zaldívar had his opportunity towards the end, but the forward shot too wide of the university team's goal. Chivas reached nine points, which serve little for their aspirations of reaching the playoffs. Next week they will play at the Estadio Azteca, and on Tuesday they will receive Atlas for the Round of 16 of the Copa MX.

On the other hand, Pumas broke a streak of four consecutive defeats, but they extended their winless run to five games and will remain in the bottom positions of the overall table. Next week they will host León at C.U.

MC