The duel this Saturday between Chivas and Veracruz will be the first without Jorge Vergara since the businessman took over the team in 2002. This match will be one of the most special that the Akron Stadium has had in its almost 10 years of existence.
Alongside the Chivas game against the Tiburones, on ESPN Digital we present you the most emotional matches in the history of the house that Vergara built for his team.
Chivas vs. Manchester United (2010)
As a way to inaugurate the venue, Chivas faced the Red Devils in a friendly match that also meant the confirmation of Javier Hernandez's sale to the English team. In fact, it was 'Chicharito' himself who scored the first goal in the history of the stadium.
Chivas vs. Internacional (2010)
On August 11, 2010, less than a month after the inauguration, Chivas reached the final of the Copa Libertadores, which they played against Internacional de Porto Alegre. The first leg was held at the then-called Estadio Omnilife and the Mexican team lost 1-2. Eventually, a week later, in Brazil, Chivas lost 3-2 to leave the aggregate at 5-3 in favor of the Brazilians.
Chivas vs. Tigres (2017)
In the last golden era of the Rebaño, there is the final against the felines in the Clausura 2017. Still with figures like Rodolfo Pizarro, Rodolfo Cota, Jair Pereira, Carlos Salcido, and José Juan Vázquez, they were crowned for the last time in the Liga MX. This was the last league title that Vergara could enjoy.
Chivas vs. Toronto (2018)
The final of the Concacaf Champions League 2018 against the Canadians was played on April 25 of the same year and it meant the penultimate match of Matías Almeyda in charge of the Rebaño. The match went to penalties after not being able to be defined in 180 minutes. In the end, the rojiblancos won and earned their place in the Club World Cup.
Chivas vs. Veracruz (2019)
This match will be remembered as the first without Jorge Vergara. Although his son Amaury took over as director of Chivas earlier this year, Vergara Madrigal was always aware of what was happening with the team he bought in 2002. Furthermore, it will mark Carlos Salcido's last game as a professional.