The Best Derby in Mexico

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For all the talk, hype and hubbub that the America vs. Guadalajara game receives, one would think that it is the end all be all game of the Mexican league. Hey it’s even called the Super Clasico, so it must be huge. Well, it is huge, but largely flat, boring, and a big letdown. The game hardly ever lives up to build up. For my money, the best derby in Mexico is the Northern Derby between Tigres and Monterrey.
Now before you go on thinking that I am a Regio, I grew up in Mexico City and follow UNAM. I have always found the Super Clasico too listless and tight. The latest edition was no exception. The clasico norteño on the other hand, just seems to explode with much more passion and intensity. Yesterday’s edition certainly did not disappoint
The game was played at the Volcán in front of a sellout crowd that was mostly decked in Tigres’ Canary yellow. But it was the Rayados supporters who were maiking noise when Reinaldo Navia beat the off-side trap and slotted home to give Monterrey the early lead. Despite the early goal, Tigres had the bulk of the possession but could not break through, thanks in most part to Rayados Keeper, Christian Martinez, who turned away one effort after another. The score remained 1-0 at the half.
The second half picked up where the first half left off, with Tigres working for the equalizer. They got their opportunity at the 58th, when Walter “el chueco” Gaitan was taken down inside the box. Amazingly, Gaitan was denied by Martinez. 2 minutes later, however, Jimmy Lozano scored for the home side with a seeing-eye free kick that avoided contact with everybody until it bounced into the net. Lozano was given the surprise start, and rewarded coach Tuca Ferretti with a strong performance.
After the equalizer, both teams forged ahead to look for the winner, and in the 86th Tigres were rewarded when substitute Carlos Ramirez hammered a rebound into the corner after Martinez blocked Sebastian “Chamagol” Gonzalez’ point blank shot.
Coupled with their Libertadores triumph over Corinthians on Thursday, it was a great week for Tigres. With another fixture on Wednesday, let’s see if they can maintain the momentum.