MEXICO CITY — Two of Liga MX’s biggest derbies took place on Saturday, with Chivas earning the bragging rights over Atlas thanks to a 1-0 victory in Guadalajara’s Clasico Tapatio and Pumas managing a 1-1 tie against 10-man Club America in Mexico City’s Clasico Capitalino.
Chivas’ victory was sealed when young Mexico international Alexis Vega cut inside from the left wing and launched a swerving, dipping shot from outside the penalty area that left Atlas goalkeeper Camilo Vargas with no chance.
But while the goal will be going viral due to its sheer quality, it was perhaps overshadowed by Vega’s celebration. The 21-year-old appeared to pull down his shorts during the emotion and, naturally, it was widely been talked about afterwards.
In a game that wasn’t a great spectacle, Vega’s goal was the highlight and perhaps saved the job of struggling head coach Tomas Boy. Chivas are now up into 11th position, with Atlas outside the playoff spots in 11th.
In Mexico City, Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa‘s error let Pumas back into the game America looked to be comfortably seeing out.
America had gone down to 10 players in the 17th minute when Sebastian Cordova was sent off for a rash challenge, but Pumas struggled to capitalize.
Carlos Gonzalez shot wide when put through on goal just before half-time, but there were no shots on target in the first half.
America improved markedly after the break and it often didn’t seem like Las Aguilas were playing with 10 players.
Renato Ibarra went close in the 53rd after bursting down the right wing, but it was substitute Federico Vinas who finally made the breakthrough on debut.
Seconds after coming on, Vinas latched onto a low Jorge Sanchez cross to open the scoring in the 78th.
America looked to be on top at that point, but two minutes later a low Bryan Mendoza shot found its way under Ochoa, who may have been unsighted.