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Gerardo Espinoza Tapatío Apertura 2022
Alejandro Orellana

'They haven't made me feel the obligation to eliminate América' - New Chivas manager Gerardo Espinoza not concerned about pressure ahead of CONCACAF Champions Cup match

The coach will lead his third match in charge of the Rojiblancos, and it will be his first away game with the club

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  • Chivas and America will play in the second leg match of the Champions Cup
  • Gerardo Espinoza's team leads 1-0 in the aggregate score
  • The Rojiblancos did not allow a goal against América in the two previous matches
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  • WHAT HAPPENED?

    Gerardo Espinoza took over as Chivas head coach from Óscar García earlier this month and finds himself in an unenviable position with three Clásicos on the horizon. One of those matches comes Wednesday in a high-profile tie against Club America with a chance to advance and eliminate Chivas' heated rival. Despite the high stakes, Espinoza assured that the Chivas board has not made him feel any obligation or pressure to eliminate América in the CONCACAF tournament.

    “This is our most important match. We’ve tried to advance in many things... The responsibility is to give my best, my team, and I like going for the victory, and we work for that,” he told the media Tuesday before the match against America.

    “Each one puts pressure on themselves. We’re focused on our own, improving every day, improving in situations that bring us closer to more victories and wins. Our situation is to keep advancing in the rounds."

    Under his leadership, Chivas have kept clean sheets in two of their three matches against América. However, his promising start could unravel if Chivas are eliminated by their archrival in the Champions Cup Round of 16 on Wednesday.

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  • Erick Sánchez Roberto Alvarado América Chivas Apertura 2024Getty Images

    THE BIGGER PICTURE

    Chivas will visit America this Wednesday in the Round of 16 of the Champions Cup. The Guadalajara team holds a 1-0 lead in the aggregate score over its rival. The away goal counts in this tournament, so if Chivas scores, it will force the Azulcremas to score two or more goals to advance to the next round.

  • DID YOU KNOW?

    Espinoza had not managed a Liga MX team since 2018 when he was the coach of Atlas. With the Rojinegros, he had a record of five wins, five draws, and eight losses. Before arriving at Chivas, Espinoza coached Tapatío in Mexico's second division, the Mexican national youth teams, and Aucas in the first division of Ecuador.

  • WHAT NEXT FOR CHIVAS?

    After this Wednesday's match against América, Chivas will visit FC Juárez next Saturday in Week 12 of the Clausura 2025. The team is currently in 10th place.