Chivas

 
I’m just a disappointed fan. Just when I really thought it couldn’t get worse, here comes Chivas to ruin another Sunday home game. Going into the match, we knew Chivas had absolutely no chance in qualifying to the Liguilla. We also knew that Queretaro had punched its one way ticket to the Liga de Ascenso. With that in mind, this game was just a “friendly” match. Both teams had absolutely nothing to fight for but to simply give their fans a little satisfaction.

 
As a first time writer on Soccer Mexicana, I will begin by introducing myself. My name is Roberto Macias, but on here or on Twitter I go by DonTical_futbol. How did I come up with that name? My devotion for hip-hop music growing up and my love for the beautiful game mixed together to create the name. I am a fan of el Rebaño Sagrado, also known as Las Chivas de Guadalajara. On Twitter I try to stay neutral, sometimes my passion takes over and can’t help my love for my team.

 
Nothing motivates more than avoiding relegation

 
Managing a Liga MX squad qualifies largely as a thankless position. Very little of the success and nearly all of the failures of the team are laid at your feet. The only security in the job comes from the knowledge that someone else is likely to give you another shot after your untimely firing. The shark tank that is Mexican sports media, the abhorrent level of the league’s officiating and the often delusional fan expectations serve as icing on the cake.

Statement wins highlighted the week’s action. Santos, Chivas, Monterrey, and Morelia all secured three big points that were uncertain heading in to week eight. I could have raised up a torta in honor of all of these teams, but the focus of today’s sandwich was on the fallen. The Gallos Blancos are in hot water after their scoreless draw with Atlas. They now seem destined for relegation. I won't be pouring out any forties, but I just ate this torta stuffed with white poultry meat for Queretaro. It tasted like sorrow.

Things got interesting in Cancun this weekend as Atlante took down Monterrey convincingly. This week's torta isn't a torta at all as much as it's a Five Guys burger. Much like many things in Cancun, it's not always entirely Mexican, but it definitely gets the job done. Buen provecho!

What's Happening: Week 5 Results and Table

Seven more red cards were shown in the third week of this season. I’m going to try to avoid writing too much about that because it’s becoming equal parts ridiculous and infuriating. Therefore, I am going to stick to the positives this week … as they were in abundance, too. This week’s torta is a tribute to everything Poblano. I raise up a Super Torta in Puebla’s honor.

 
With barely enough time to digest the conclusion of the regular season, the Liguilla kicks off tonight. Eight teams fight for a chance at claiming a prize that has eluded most for an extended period. Toluca and Monterrey are the only teams in the playoffs that have claimed a title in the last eleven seasons. Hence, there is a great chance that a team in a long title draught will reach the pinnacle this season. Actually, that is exactly what I expect to happen …

#1 Toluca v #8 Chivas

- First leg in Guadalajara: Thursday, 10:00 ET

Chivas and Club America are the two most followed clubs in Mexico. They are also the two most despised clubs in Mexico. Both clubs sport a huge national following that can raise the ire of multiple fanbases. While other teams might play at a higher level or with a more aesthetically pleasing approach, these two squads garner the most attention. It's justified because of the large amount of supporters and the prolific past, but it can definitely be frustrating. Yet, for all the big picture commonalities, America and Chivas are such fundamentally different clubs.

The Clasico dominated the hype and headlines of the weekend. Surprisingly, it actually lived up to its billing. It was an entertaining match with plenty of back and forth action. This week's Torta Tuesday features a bunch of clips from Snatch and plenty of Chivas. In honor of Guadalajara's victory, I tried to acquire a Torta Ahogada, in true Tapatio style, but all my usual torta spots claimed they didn't have them. Sounds like an Americanista conspiracy to me.