Former Atlas Defender Mario Méndez Shares Memories of the Clásico Tapatío

The Significance of the Clásico Tapatío

The Clásico Tapatío is one of the biggest and most intense rivalries in Mexican football, especially for local teams Atlas and Guadalajara. This fixture has been played since the late 1960s and early 1970s when Mario Méndez’s uncle, Juan Manuel Olague made his debut for Chivas; the older members of Méndez’s family were Chivas fans while the younger ones, including Méndez, supported Atlas, resulting in an interesting family rivalry.

Losing or winning in this game determined the mockery or pride one may receive before and after the game, according to Méndez. Despite fewer attendances in recent years, people are still passionate about this match.

Mario Mendez’s Experiences

Mendez always lived the Clásico to the fullest and experienced it since he was a child. Most people followed Chivas and mocked Atlas when they won. However, Mendez became an Atlas fan because of his uncle Juan Manuel Olague’s association with Atlas and his admiration for his uncle.

Despite the sporting rivalry within his family, things never got out of hand. He always wanted to play for Atlas and didn’t think about playing for Chivas, but he acknowledges that fate can take players to unexpected places.

During his career as a defender with Atlas, Mendez played against several challenging Chivas players such as Alberto Coyote, Ramón Ramírez, Ricardo Peláez, Luis García, and Claudio Suárez.

Preview and Predictions for Upcoming Atlas vs Guadalajara Match

Atlas is currently in good form and is playing at home; however, Guadalajara has been a better side this season. A win for Atlas will increase their chances of entering the playoffs, but they are currently four points off Cruz Azul, who have a game in hand.

Guadalajara is almost certainly entering the playoffs and is currently in 7th place on the Liga MX table. Previous meetings between Atlas and Guadalajara indicate that Chivas has won more matches, and there have been nine red cards in this tie.

Atlas won 4-0 against Puebla in their last match, which was their best performance of the Liga MX season. While they are not the same dominant team from two seasons ago, they are recovering and their recent wins have revitalized the club.

Guadalajara lost their last two matches in the league and needs to be careful not to spiral out of control just before the playoffs. As a team that is a bit unpredictable, they can either look like potential champions or the worst team in the league in different games.

Highlights of Upcoming Matches in Liga MX

Club León faces América at the Azteca stadium in arguably the most attractive fixture of Matchday 13. Both teams will be desperate to bag a top-four finish.

Diego Cocca made his debut as head coach for the Mexican national football team, El Tri, during the FIFA window. They won against Suriname and drew against Jamaica, qualifying for the Concacaf Nations League Final Four.

Pumas appointed Antonio Mohamed as head coach aiming to secure a top 12 finish and maintain a postseason push in the playoffs. They face Gallos Blancos who are just two points off 12th position in the table.

The bottom side Mazatlán still has a chance to progress to postseason even though they have only four points to their name all season. They travel to face Atlético de San Luis in an upcoming match.

Toluca, Pachuca, Tigres, and Chivas will all be anxious to secure a top-four placing and avoid the uncertainty of the play-in round. Toluca faces Tigres UANL this weekend, and both teams are in a crucial position for the top-four finish.

In conclusion, the Clásico Tapatío is more than just a game; it represents a passionate and intense rivalry that goes well beyond the 90 minutes on the field. As local teams Atlas and Guadalajara prepare to face each other, they will undoubtedly carry with them the hopes, dreams, and expectations of their fans. Let us see how this high-voltage encounter unfolds on the upcoming matchday in Liga MX.

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