The Clásico Tapatío, the iconic derby between the two Guadalajara-based clubs, Atlas and Chivas, is the oldest and most intense rivalry in Mexican soccer. The latest edition of this historic derby is set to take place on Saturday, April 1, at Estadio Jalisco, and fans from both sides are eagerly anticipating an entertaining and competitive encounter.
A Rivalry That Defines Passion
The Clásico Tapatío is more than just a game. It’s a battle for pride and prestige between two clubs that are deeply embedded in the fabric of Guadalajara’s rich soccer culture. In this rivalry, fans express their passion through song, chants, and banters. Winning or losing this match can define your mood for days after the match.
As the oldest clásico Tapatío, it has been played for over 100 years since their first meeting in 1916. Atlas, known as Los Zorros (The Foxes), have won this encounter 8 times while Chivas (The Goats) have emerged as victorious 14 times in their 27 meetings.
Intense Rivalry Runs Deep within Families
Former Atlas defender Mario Méndez is a product of Atlas’ youth academy who lived the Clásico Tapatío intensely as a player. Interestingly enough, within his family is another rivalry that runs deep since the older generation supports Chivas while the younger generation including himself are dedicated Atlas fans.
Mario has never even considered the idea of playing for another team because he acknowledges that this fixture means more than just another game. He admits that playing against Chivas always has an extra edge for him.
A Preview and Predictions for the Upcoming Game
Chivas have been the better team this season and sit in fourth place, meaning they are likely to enter the playoffs. Atlas, on the other hand, have an outside chance of entering the playoffs but will certainly need a win against Chivas to boost their chances.
Given both sides’ stakes in this game, it is expected to be a fascinating encounter. However, Guadalajara has a better head-to-head record against Atlas, having won 14 times in their 27 meetings. Additionally, Chivas has been more inconsistent this season than usual despite showing some promise in a few games but conceding 13 goals already.
Atlas, on the other hand, had looked shaky overall this season but put in their best performance of the season against Puebla recently, winning 4-0. They will hope that win revitalizes them following last year’s underwhelming campaign.
Clásico Tapatío Football Match between Atlas and Chivas in Liga MX
The stage is set for a scintillating clash between these two exciting teams as Estadio Jalisco hosts this highly anticipated match on Saturday. Despite winning their last match convincingly, Atlas sits behind Chivas on the moneyline odds with +152 compared to Chivas’ +192. The draw is rated at +222.
Brian Lozano is racing ahead as Atlas’s top scorer this season after netting twice in the last match. Chivas started well but lost their last two matches and will hope The Cone Brizuela can return and replace Víctor Guzmán who is suspended for Saturday’s encounter.
Although there are concerns over his replacement, Chivas head into this match confident of winning despite Guzmán missing out to a red card in their previous game against América. They are only three points off second place with 21 points and are looking to make it count against their biggest rivals.
In conclusion, there’s no other game in Mexican soccer as intense and emotional as the Clásico Tapatío. With both teams desperate for a win, the match promises to be an enthralling encounter filled with excitement, passion, pride, and bragging rights.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
