W Connection - Chivas

CONCACAF Champions League, Group Stage

Chivas are still in a result crisis, but I think we can say that lately they've had an improvement in their game. They are now undefeated for the last 4 games, including a rebound in the Champions League (4-0 against W Connection), a local win against Club Leon, and a match against Pumas in which they were the better side, and have also missed a penalty in the 93rd minute. But nothing will matter unless they get a win today as well, as only 3 points can get them back in the qualification race (they are currently 4 points behind group leaders Xelaju). Apparently, the entire squad made the trip to Trinidad & Tobago, and since this is a crucial game for them, I'm expecting a solid squad to start. There's no questioning about the clear quality difference between these two teams' players, so Chivas are rightfully favorites. It is only to see if they can continue their good recent run and win all the points. Connection are simply a poor team, already lost 0-4 to Chivas and took just 1 point in two matches against Xelaju, conceding 5 goals (although they did score 4 themselves). Chivas should win it, they simply have to, and everything is in their favor. GL!

Chivas (-0.75 AH) @ 1.70, 4/10
Result: 1-1, LOST

Deportivo Quito - Chivas

Copa Libertadores 2012, Group Stage

While all the teams in this group (Deportivo, Defensor and Chivas) still hold some theoretical chances to qualify to the next stage, only the Ecuadorians have a real option to do so, as they are the only ones to depend only on themselves. Chivas needs to win in Ecuador, and need to do it by a minimum of 4 goals, while also hoping that Defensor will not win in Argentina. So it's obviously a very hard task for the Mexicans, and I seriously doubt their motivation for this match. Even more, there are 6 regulars that haven't even made the trip to Ecuador, as they are still recovering from different injuries. Among those 6 players, we can find their goalkeeper, 3 strikers, one defender and one midfielder. Besides, they should also be more focused on their local league, as they are in a dreadful form (3 consecutive lost matches). Deportivo, as I said, with the best chances to qualify, so they just need to win this match to secure their qualification. High altitude in Quito will also help them a lot, as they have won both home matches at home so far, with a goal difference of 5-0 (trashed Velez by 3-0). meanwhile, Chivas struggled when traveling, losing both matches with a goal difference of 0-4, so I don't think they can do more today, when a lack of motivation is expected. GL!

Deportivo (-1 AH) @ 1.81, 4/10

Result: 5-0, WON

Chivas Guadalajara - Deportivo Quito

Copa Libertadores 2012, Group Stage

Taking a trip to Mexico is always a tireing experience, and the matches don't get any easier. Mexican teams are solid teams, and at home they are very tough to beat, especially for the 'lower' South American teams (Peru, Ecuador, etc). For example, in last year's group stage, there were 3 Mexican teams, that means 9 home matches, from which 7 were won by the hosts, against teams like Argentinos Juniors, Fluminense or Internacional. Anyway, back to the present. Chivas have decided to use their main squad for this competition (at least for the time being), so that obviously puts them in contention for a qualification to the next stage. Deportivo Quito are a solid team for Ecuadorian standards, but all the Ecuadorian teams are naturally poor travelers. The match will be played on the Omnilife Stadium, which has artificial turf, so again, another big disadvantage for the Ecuadorians, who aren't used to this type of surface. So, this match goes down as a home win for me, but small stakes, because even though a strong Chivas team is expected, their motivation is always a big doubt in Libertadores. GL!

Chivas (-0.75 AH) @ 1.91, 4/10

Result: 1-1, LOST