Former Atlas defender Mario Mendez recently opened up about the Clasico Tapatio, a local rivalry between two of the biggest football clubs in Guadalajara: Atlas and Chivas. In an interview, Mendez shared his thoughts about the rivalry, his experience playing in the Clasico, and the upcoming match between the two teams.
A family divided by passion for different teams
Mendez’s family is divided between Chivas and Atlas fans due to his uncle’s debut for Chivas. Mendez and his younger cousins support Atlas while the older generation supports Chivas. Despite the family split, Mendez says that the rivalry is only sporting and never gets out of hand among its members.
The intensity of Clasico Tapatio
Losing or winning the Clasico determines the pride or mockery the fans will show before and after the game. Mendez always lived the Clasico rivalry to the fullest and experienced it as a child and as a professional player. The Clasico Tapatio is considered one of the oldest classicos in Mexico.
Playing for other teams
Mendez never played for Chivas but says that the issue of playing for another team never came up because you never know where fate will take you. He respects Huesos Reyes’ opinion of rather retiring than playing for Chivas.
Memories from playing against Chivas
Mendez mentions some of the Chivas players he found difficult to mark during his playing career. He recalls feeling a rush of adrenaline every time he played against them.
Preview and predictions for upcoming match
Looking ahead to an exciting weekend in Liga MX Clausura 2021, Atlas face off against Guadalajara in Clásico Tapatío. Atlas are four points away from securing a spot in the playoffs, while Guadalajara are almost certain to enter the playoffs but can move up in the standings with a win. Atlas recently had a strong win against Puebla, while Guadalajara lost to Club America. Both teams have something to play for, making for an interesting match.
The significance of the upcoming match
Atlas is no longer the dominant team they were a few seasons ago, but they are recovering. Guadalajara can’t take Atlas lightly, as they are a confident team at the moment and a loss could cost them their playoff spot. Guadalajara have won more of their previous matches against Atlas, but there have been many red cards between the two teams.
Predictions for match day 13
The Jalisco derby will see Chivas face Atlas in Guadalajara. Chivas need a win to boost their chances of securing a top four spot while Atlas is having an indifferent campaign and holds the 12th position. Pumas appointed Antonio Mohamed as head coach to secure a top 12 finish and maintain post-season push. Gallos Blancos are just two points off 12th place despite enduring another poor season. Bottom side Mazatlán is still mathematically in with a chance of progressing to post-season. Red Devils from Toluca face Tigres UANL in a tough fight to secure top four berths while León and América face each other in a battle for top-four finish with three points currently separating them.
Predictions for each match: Atlas 1-2 Chivas, Queretaro 0-1 Pumas, Atlético San Luis 1-1 Mazatlán, Toluca 0-0 Tigres, America 1-1 Leon.
In conclusion, fans across Mexico are eagerly waiting for Clasico Tapatio this weekend. While Guadalajara are currently in better form, Atlas can never be counted out when it comes to local derbies. This weekend is set to be another intense and exciting chapter in the longstanding history of Mexico’s Clasico Tapatio rivalry.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
