LOS ÁNGELES -- It's not a Classic. Classic is a title of nobility. It's a certificate of lineage. However, Tigres vs. América breeds its own rivalry, a budding rivalry, growing animosity. And as an opening game in the Liguilla, it's gratifying.
Two veteran coaches. And experience includes cunning and wisdom. The differences between Ricardo Ferretti and Miguel Herrera are reflected in their chalkboards, from direct player interaction to consistent results.
There is only one umbilical cord, that exasperation and intolerance towards the unexpected. With a short fuse, the alarm button is triggered at the slightest provocation, but they reflect astuteness in controlling the repercussions.
Certainly, the facets of their demands are different. It's a reflection of the evident difference between the most hated team in Mexico and the most hated team in Monterrey only. They are valued very differently in the thermometer of contempt.
About Miguel Herrera, although Emilio Azcárraga Jean denies it, he swings like a tragic pendulum, an ultimatum with the appearance of a guillotine. And sixth place in the Liguilla is cursed.
With Ferretti, it's different. He is shielded. He can be eliminated ipso facto, and the next day he will go on vacation aboard his Ferrari, disappearing into the distance of indifference. He doesn't govern, but he does command.
Dismissed from the hierarchy of a Classic, but magnified by its powerful irruption into the discussion of particular challenges, this América vs. Tigres could come sooner than desired, but it's a good appetizer for a Liguilla in which the most successful title winners, except for these two –or León--, are absent.
Obligated, due to their position in the table, América is forced to bark less and bite more. Additionally, the one who taunts and acidly spits at humanity with that #ÓdiameMás (Hate me more), has no choice but to back it up with boldness.
No braggart with the spirit of a bully can take refuge in the depths of his den. The Eagles have the obligation, from the first leg, to go on the hunt, and that pleases Tuca Ferretti.
For Tigres, it's like being up 1-0, when they exert the urgency of goals and results on their opponent's nerves. And Ferretti licks his thick mustache with malice.
It's common sense that if Miguel Herrera insists on a 0-0 draw at home in the Estadio Azteca, he could be headed straight for the slaughterhouse if he goes into the Volcán regiomontano undressed of weapons.
Beyond the fact that the squads seem even in names, it's evident that Tigres' puzzle seems better crafted, without smoldering in their lines, while Herrera has been assembling, through transfers, injuries, and drops in form, the best possible version.
Years ago, in a misogynistic and sexist way, it was said that soccer was like infatuation towards a woman: if the waist is lost, all the charm is lost. That's what the lugs said in the archetype of their perfect soccer.
With that reference, not very judicious or chivalrous, but this clash between Tigres and América offers a glimpse of that.
They will face each other, two guys who vie not only to be the best midfield shield in Liga MX, but also for the Argentine national team, like Guido Rodríguez and Guido Pizarro, although the recovery scheme is more stable and veteran in Tigres, but much more versatile in transition at América.
Achilles' heel? América has one: Paul Aguilar. For Tigres, it would only be the eventual absence of Nahuel Guzmán... and well, the untimely irritability in Tuca's locker room.