Over to you, Chivas.
Club America fulfilled its duty, knocking off manager Ricardo La Volpe's former charges 3-2 in a Copa MX quarterfinal. Chivas takes on second-division Alebrijes de Oaxaca on Wednesday, and with a win the Guadalajara side would set up a Clasico Nacional in the semifinal.
That kind of game, one that would draw attention across North America as Mexico's two most successful and popular teams clash, is exactly what the Copa MX needs. Calling the tournament a bore since it returned in 2012 is an insult to the comparatively riveting activities of waiting at the DMV and watching grass grow. But this year has potential, and it's not only because of the potential of a surprise Clasico in the semifinals.
The league implemented a number of reforms to the tournament, which many had been suggesting for years (see the ideas we put forward in January of this year and in April of 2015). The federation ditched some of the group stage and made the regulations of the tournament easier to understand, or at least more familiar for those who already are fans of the sport, which is an enormous portion of the population in Mexico.
The extra knockout matches add the intensity and drama that come with most knockout tournaments. This isn't exactly a secret. There's a reason why the UEFA Champions League or the NCAA tournament are so compelling - or even the Liga MX Liguilla. But the chance at seeing a pair of Mexico's grandes going at it will raise the level of the tournament in a way bureaucracy can't.
For now, America itself is one of the only groups in Mexico not looking ahead to the potential semifinal, one that would have a knock-on effect of adding interest with a grande in the final.
"Sincerely, we're going step by step, battle after battle," America assistant Rafael Gomez said after the team's victory. "Now we have to analyze what happened in this match and focus on Queretaro. Tomorrow the opponent comes out between Alebrijes and Chivas that many people are taking as a done deal that Chivas will go through, but we're going to wait."
For the teams to meet this late a few things need to happen, and truly a few things sort of need to go wrong. Both clubs have to miss out on CONCACAF Champions League and/or Copa Libertadores goals, take care of business in the tournament and see the draw fall the right way. A trophy on the line in a Clasico would be the only thing better, but this would be the next-best thing.
Taking in mind Gomez's caution, it's entirely possible the Oaxaca side jumps up and surprises Chivas, depriving the majority of fans of the matchup they're hoping for. Chivas forward Angel Zaldivar says the team is eagerly awaiting the quarterfinal in a tournament in which Chivas are the defending champions.
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"We think Alebrijes is a tough opponent. We can't get ahead of ourselves in this quarterfinal, and we're approaching it as a final," he said. "We're aware that we can't let the intensity slip if we want to advance."
It's the rare occasion where America fans may be hoping for Chivas to get a victory - especially because it would give Las Aguilas another crack at the hated rival this fall after a 3-0 defeat in the Estadio Azteca embarrassed the team and its supporters.
It's something that officials also will be rooting for, even if they shouldn't admit as much, as it would be a chance for directors to show how much excitement Copa MX can bring to Mexican soccer. It's exactly what the tournament needs to add some intrigue. If Chivas plays their part, we'll all be watching the semifinal.
