Mexico

Chivas Holding Out Hope For Liguilla Spot

El Rebaño has a shot at the postseason, but any scenario that sees Chivas through must include a win over Cruz Azul.

Nov 14, 2009 9:49:04 AM

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Alberto Medina- Chivas (Mexsport)

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The last game of the season is looming in Mexican Apertura 2009 and for some teams it’s also the day to find out the extent of their work from the season. Two spots are up for grab for the post season Liguilla and despite having a weak showing Chivas still has a chance of entering into the last eight. The last game for Chivas will be against Cruz Azul and at Chivas the belief is that a strong win is possible against the inform opponents.

Cruz Azul has qualified to the Liguilla but will look to improve their standing on the table. Chivas have to win and wait for the result of the game between Queretaro and San Luis. A win for Chivas and a loss for San Luis would give them passage to the Liguilla; a win for Chivas and a draw for San Luis would leave the teams at level points and at that point Chivas would need a greater goal difference to move on. The highest amount of goals that Chivas have scored this season are four.

“We know that things are complicated and now it all depends on us winning our game, and then waiting for the result in Queretaro to have a possibility of being in the Liguilla. We haven’t scored many goals; we have to golear Cruz Azul. It will be complicated but not impossible,” said Alberto ‘Venado’ Medina, who’s featured in the past two games.

Omar Arellano spoke about being offensive to help the goal differential in the end.

“We know each other well, but just because you have four, five, or six offensive player doesn’t mean you’re offensive. There’s Toluca’s case; they doesn’t have many players up top but when they have the ball it’s an offensive team,” spoke Arellano at a press conference. “So I think that the important thing is understanding and being at the disposition and trust with your teammates. Maybe you can help each other and I think that’s been reflected in the past two games.”

Emanuel Villa is the leading scorer of the Mexican tournament with 16 goals. The Cruz Azul defense has only let in 19 goals.

“Knowing Enrique [Meza’s] system is not an advantage, but I understand that he likes open play. I know that they like to have the ball, his teams are offensive. The like to attack, defend themselves with the ball.,“ added Arellano. “It’s important to take away the ball and attack them. But I think that we have players, and they have speed, there’s a dynamic and I think that speed will make a difference in football.”

However, Arellano sees a home field advantage for Chivas that might cause the visiting team some problems.

“[Cruz Azul] has important people as well, but in any case we need to get the ball, be dynamic and attack. I think that it could trouble them, especially at the Jalisco.”

Andrea Martinez, Goal.com

For more coverage of the Mexican Apertura 2009 season, visit Goal.com's Mexico page.

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