GUADALAJARA, Mexico -- For Chivas fans, Super Clasicos against Club America have been exacerbating experiences over the last few years. Prior to the 2016 Apertura, the Guadalajara team had won just one of its previous nine encounters against archrival Club America.
The Chivas faithful naturally had to remain outwardly bullish, making the usual taunts on social networks and placing bets with americanista friends. But when it was game time in the comfort of their own homes, you got the sense that many watched while peeping out from behind the sofa.
The frequent failure to win couldn't be cast off as some kind of curse or Club America being helped by the officials -- a regular taunt towards Las Aguilas from seemingly everyone in Mexico. The fact was that America was simply a better team with better players. Over time and a stretch of games, the stronger side tends to win out.
But that status quo no longer holds in Mexico's greatest clasico. Chivas have shed relegation problems and go into Wednesday's Copa MX semifinal against Las Aguilas on equal footing off the back of a historic 3-0 win in the last Clasico Nacional on August 27 at Estadio Azteca.
Chivas have been transformed since manager Matias Almeyda arrived in September 2015, bringing a firm philosophy and the joie de vivre back to arguably Mexico's most famous club. Here's how the Argentine coach has turned the "sleeping giant" -- currently fourth in Liga MX -- around:
Outwardly attacking style
"This team can win, draw or do badly, but it maintains its own style and the admirable work ethic of the players," said Almeyda earlier this month.
Under Almeyda, that Chivas style is to attack in numbers, mark the opposition man-to-man all over the field and play aggressive soccer. No player is allowed to shirk responsibility when it comes to grafting. And that basic underpinning philosophy doesn't change depending on the opposition or location of the match. The idea is that Chivas are the protagonists. It's straight from the Marcelo Bielsa -- Almeyda's former manager -- school of thought.
In truth, the individual attacking talent at Chivas probably isn't of the quality of other top Liga MX clubs as yet -- the side is 15th in the league in terms of goals scored -- but the offshoot of being the team with the most average possession per game (61.6 percent) in Liga MX has been defensive stability (only 13 goals conceded in 14 games). It is no coincidence that Chivas' goalkeeper -- Rodolfo Cota for every league game this Apertura -- has touched the ball fewer times (71) than every other keeper in Mexico's domestic league.
The emotional and psychological impact of playing such a brand of football at a nationalistic club like Chivas -- who only field Mexican players -- should not be neglected, either. Even with a slightly unfortunate 2-1 defeat last Sunday to Pachuca, the Chivas faithful left the stadium chanting.
Giving youngsters a chance
"I'm a foreigner and I believe more in Mexicans than many Mexicans," said Almeyda in a stinging criticism after the Clasico Nacional victory in August. Although he doesn't have any choice but to field Mexicans as Chivas coach, he doesn't have to play the youngsters.
It was widely expected that Jose Juan "Gallito" Vazquez and Carlos "Gullit" Pena would man the Chivas midfield this season. Indeed, a midfield made up of Leon's title winners was a mouthwatering prospect. But the manager has stuck with youngsters Michael Perez (23 years old) and Orbelin Pineda (20). Along with youth-team graduates Carlos Cisneros, Angel Zaldivar, Hedgardo Marin, Eduardo "Chofis" Lopez and even the refreshed Jesus "Chapito" Sanchez, the door is open to youth-team players graduating to the first team.
Given the way that Chivas are run and their emphasis on youth production, it is absolutely vital that those coming up the ranks know they will get a chance if they are good enough.
Competition for places
Exactly two years ago, Chivas were in the middle of what would become an 11-game winless run. Players like Edgar Solis, Fernando Arce, Nestor Vidrio, Angel Reyna, Israel Castro, Omar Bravo, Aldo de Nigris and Patricio Araujo have all had their moments as professionals, but none went on to great things after leaving Chivas over the past two years. El Rebano Sagrado just wasn't good enough.
Now, you could make the argument that Chivas are not the strongest team in the league player for player, but as a squad the competition for places is fierce. Aside, perhaps, from the right-back role, there are two good options per position due to both Chivas' youth policy and serious investment in the squad, of which striker Alan Pulido is the most prominent example.
The key here from Almeyda's point of view is that he has kept some big-name players like Miguel Ponce, "Gallito" Vazquez and "Gullit" Pena if not content, then at least not publicly complaining about their situations.
Trust from the owner
Chivas owner Jorge Vergara and sidekick Jose Luis Higuera have been convinced from day one that Almeyda is the right person to get the club back on track on the field. They've backed the boss in the transfer market and in his decision to leave expensive signings like Vazquez, Pena and Nestor Calderon out of the team.
But it is more than that. Almeyda was named as sporting manager back in June. The role involves overseeing the sporting side of the club and coordinating the first team with all youth teams (the club has over 200 youngsters on the books). There is also a project in the pipeline to build a brand new complex on the land next to Estadio Chivas, which would include pitches and a clubhouse for younger players.
With Chivas TV in its first season, Vergara has perhaps been occupied on the business side of the club, but he has been remarkably consistent in backing Almeyda, something he hasn't done with previous managers or sporting directors since he bought the team in 2002.
Wooing the local press
Some of the local press in Guadalajara used to have difficult relationships with the club, but the mood is much lighter now.
For example, after Chivas' win over Morelia earlier this month, Almeyda's young niece Clarita was invited to ask a question in the post-game news conference and the 42-year-old brought her up to the table. The youngster -- who has Down's Syndrome -- inspired Almeyda at a difficult time in his life, and her presence on a visit from Argentina was a nice touch and a brief moment of insight into the man behind the manager.
Former River Plate manager Almeyda's directness in answering questions points to a well-traveled and experienced former international footballer who has been around the media for a long time. He has taken on the responsibility of resurrecting a club that had become a shadow of its former self and injected it with purpose. Chivas' main problem moving forward may be keeping hold of him.