The Clásico Tapatío: Atlas vs Guadalajara – A Day-to-Day Rivalry

The Oldest Clásico In Mexico

The Clásico Tapatío, the Guadalajara derby match between Atlas and Chivas, is back again in Liga MX Clausura 2023. This local rivalry is known as the oldest clásico in Mexico, with 27 meetings between the two sides. Despite a lower attendance at the games in recent years, the rivalry is still strong and people are really up for those games. Losing or winning the match determines the mockery or pride one may have in the days before and after the game.

Mendez’s Legacy Lives on

For Mario Mendez, who played for Atlas and was a vital member of their team during their golden years, living the clásico to the fullest was everything. In his eyes, playing for Atlas was a dream come true since he was in their youth team. But Mendez’s uncle played for Atlas’s rival Chivas back in the 70s. The result is so important for both sides that when one’s team loses, they have to put up with all of the jokes in the family despite this.

Predictions for The Game

Atlas and Guadalajara are set to play against each other in their upcoming game, which will go a long way in determining if Atlas can go further in the competition. Atlas is currently in good form and has an outside chance of entering the playoffs. Winning this game will certainly help their cause. On the other hand, Guadalajara is almost certain to enter playoffs and are 7th on the Liga MX table.

Both teams have something to play for which should make this game fascinating to watch. However, Guadalajara has been better this season but lacks conviction in their performances. They have conceded 13 goals, which is not ideal for a team with title ambitions. Atlas put in their best performance of the Liga MX season over the weekend against Puebla, winning 4-0. They are recovering from their drastic decline in last season’s Apertura season.

A win for Atlas in this game will allow them to qualify for the playoffs, and once a team gets into the playoffs, anything goes. Guadalajara has been up and down all season and has to be careful not to slip up on the weekend as it could be very costly.

Liga MX Clausura 2023 Coming To An End

As matchday 13 of Liga MX Clausura 2023 approaches, with just five games left in the regular season phase, teams are looking to make a strong push towards playoffs. Toluca, Pachuca, Tigres, and Chivas are all fighting for a top four spot and will play against each other.

Diego Cocca made his debut as El Tri progressed to the Concacaf Nations League Final Four. Rafael Puente Jr was dismissed as head coach of Pumas and replaced by Antonio Mohamed. Pumas aim to secure a top 12 finish and maintain a postseason push in the playoffs.

Mazatlán is currently at the bottom of the league table but is still mathematically in with a chance of progressing into postseason and will play against Atlético de San Luis.

Club León will play against Club América, both teams hoping to secure a top four finish.

Overall, this year’s Liga MX Clausura season has been full of surprises and exciting moments. As tension mounts for teams seeking to qualify for playoffs, every game becomes crucial. So let us see what lies ahead for these teams with only five more games left in the regular season phase!

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons