Introduction
When you think of rivalries in the Liga MX, one matchup that stands out is Cruz Azul vs Chivas de Guadalajara. These two teams have a long and storied history, and their matches always draw a lot of attention. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Cruz Azul vs Chivas rivalry, including the history of the teams, memorable moments, and what makes this matchup so special.
The History of Cruz Azul and Chivas de Guadalajara
Cruz Azul was founded in 1927, while Chivas de Guadalajara was established in 1906. Both teams have a long and proud history in Mexican soccer, with Cruz Azul winning eight Liga MX championships and Chivas de Guadalajara winning 12. In addition, both teams have also had success in international competitions, with Cruz Azul winning the CONCACAF Champions League six times and Chivas de Guadalajara winning the Copa Libertadores and CONCACAF Champions League once each.
The Rivalry
The Cruz Azul vs Chivas de Guadalajara rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in Mexican soccer. The two teams have faced each other over 100 times, with each match hotly contested. The rivalry is fueled not only by their success on the field, but also by regional pride, as Cruz Azul is based in Mexico City and Chivas de Guadalajara is based in the state of Jalisco.
Memorable Matches
Over the years, there have been many memorable matches between Cruz Azul and Chivas de Guadalajara. One of the most famous was the final of the 1971-1972 season, when Cruz Azul won 4-1 in the second leg to claim their first-ever Liga MX title. Another memorable match was in the quarterfinals of the 2006 Apertura, when Cruz Azul won 3-2 on aggregate after a thrilling second leg that ended 2-2.
The Players
Over the years, both Cruz Azul and Chivas de Guadalajara have had many great players. Some of the most notable for Cruz Azul include Carlos Hermosillo, who scored over 200 goals for the team, and Emanuel Villa, who helped lead the team to the final of the CONCACAF Champions League in 2010-2011. For Chivas de Guadalajara, notable players include Omar Bravo, who is the team’s all-time leading scorer, and Javier Hernandez, who went on to have a successful career in Europe after leaving the team.
What Makes the Cruz Azul vs Chivas de Guadalajara Matchup So Special?
There are many factors that contribute to what makes the Cruz Azul vs Chivas de Guadalajara matchup so special. For one, both teams have a rich history and passionate fan bases. In addition, the rivalry is fueled by success on the field, with both teams often competing for titles. Finally, the regional pride that fuels the rivalry also adds an extra layer of intensity and excitement to each match.
Conclusion
The Cruz Azul vs Chivas de Guadalajara rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in Mexican soccer. With a long and storied history, memorable matches, and great players on both sides, it’s easy to see why this matchup draws so much attention. Whether you’re a fan of Cruz Azul, Chivas de Guadalajara, or just a fan of great soccer, this rivalry is one that you won’t want to miss.